Aaaarggh - condensation!!!!

[Nosleeptillgodknowswhen]

I hate winter!! Every year our PVC windows suffer from loads of condensation overnight and even worse the top of window alcoves and wall/ceiling edges of rooms get damp and moudly (all our rooms have 2 outside walls). I have put anti damp paint around the edges which has helped but not stopped the mould. I seem to spend half my time going round wiping with bleach.

What am I doing wrong and how can I stop/reduce this? I have wondows open as much as I can bear, but we do also hang washing upstairs on a shielamaid thing which might contribute.

Should i have the house hotter/colder? And is the ceiling mould likely to be from too much insulation around the edges of the roof or not enough?

I need the wisdomm of mumsnet!

Thanks all - sounds like i could be more coordinated on windows. The dettol spray is fab but they stopped stocking it at my tescos. i will have to try and find a new source.

I find that a really weak solution of bleach and water in a spray bottle helps with the cleaning...the bleach keeps on working and it's made a real difference in our bathroom.

I've also found that since I leave the upstairs windows open for an hour after we're all up and dressed in the morning seems to be helping. Incidentally leaving the bedroom door open at nights has the added benefit of reducing the volume of DH's snoring... :) :)

Open a window when you are cooking, straight away open bathroom window after showers/bath, open all other windows first thing in the morning for several hours (heating switched off of course). Basically lots and lots of airing.

I always try to hang laundry outside, but if this is impossible then I put it in our dressing room on drying racks with the window open.

So far this seems to work.