How to fight damp/moisture?

[RobinsNest17]

I've just moved into a rented property (associated with my husband's job, so no choice/shopping around) and am having issues with moisture upstairs. I've lived in lots of different types of houses before but not had this issue so I don't know how to best combat it.

The property is 1970s-built and has original metal-framed, sliding double glazing. Each morning the upstairs windows are soaking wet with moisture, and it's even worse in the bathroom where there is a damp smell beginning after only a week or so in residence.

I'm planning on deep cleaning the window frames/ledges to remove the mould that is already there, and putting cloths upstairs so
I can wipe the window moisture off fresh each morning. We're leaving the extractor fan on in the bathroom after each use of the shower/bath and I'm leaving the bathroom window open for as long as possible each day. I'm also going to try and fit better towel rails so that the bath towels dry out quicker.

Is there anything else I can do or any other products I should be using to combat the moisture/damp? Any help or suggestions gratefully received. The whole family have asthma and I'm expecting a new baby in December so I want to get on top of this ASAP.

Lived in lots of properties with damp, the biggest help was running a big, decent, dehumidifier. Also windows open every day and I would have heating on too.

Hg mould spray is brilliant if you start getting a build up of mould anywhere which you probably will. Just do test patches first.

Also keep furniture as faw away from wall as is practical to allow air to circulate.

I have similar. Cloths drove me insane so I bought a kaacher window vac. Made life much easier. Best product for getting rid of mould is by far astonish mould and mildew blast is. You can buy it for 75p in Aldi at the moment but I never spend more that £1.on it. It’s so effective and quick. But definitely keep windows open and follow more practical advice. These are ways to mask it not permanently cure it.

Have been where you are.

It's all about moisture really. If you are creating it, then it needs to go somewhere.

A proper dehumidifier is worth its weight in gold. You can set them going (they use very little electricity) and you will be amazed at how much water they collect.

Opening windows when showering and cooking is a must also.
It can be hard to set this habit in a cold UK Winter though.

I use a Meaco brand dehumidifier. In fact, after reading your post it's probably time to break it out for the Winter!

It really is worth buying a decent dehumidifier. I have to admit I hated having to spend money on ours at first but once you see the amount of water they pull out of the air in the tank, then you realise how much they are worth it! I have this one and I really rate it. www.amazon.co.uk/EcoAir-DD122-Simple-Desiccant-Dehumidifier/dp/B00474K8SY/ref=sr_1_3?s=gateway&keywords=ecoair+dehumidifier&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1568038338&sr=8-3
Make sure you open the windows each day for a while and also have the heating on when it's needed. Also don't ever dry clothes indoors. Sounds obvious but this can massively contribute to damp. If you do need to dry indoors put the clothing in a room with a dehumidifier.
When cooking make sure windows are open if possible to let out the moisture made. Easy in summer but a bit of a pain once it gets colder!
I find having an indoor thermometer that shows me the indoor actual temp along with humidity really useful as well. I think mine was about £7 from amazon. It's worth having a couple to move around different rooms and monitor when you need to use the dehumidifier.
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01ELE3GBA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?th=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&ie=UTF8

I also have to agree that the astonish mould remover is excellent. Be careful to use it in vented areas though as it's strong stuff. I probably wouldn't use it whilst pregnant.