Mouldy bedroom wall / mouldy blinds

[Mandy21]

We had a problem with the windows in our (1930s semi) when we moved in, most notably in 3rd bedroom - there was 2 inches of water trapped inside the double glazing (installed 2 yrs before we moved in, so about 6 years old). All guaranteed under FENSA - got company back in and realised that they were installed upside down with no drainage. All corrected, new units put in (although in the existing frames), re-sealed etc.

I say that as background info even though I don't think its the issue - 3rd bedroom has 2 outside walls - front & side of house. It is really cold in there (despite central heating etc). DD (age 4) is in there, room not really used other than to sleep in (she never plays in there etc).

In the winter, condensation on windows every monrning. Roman blind with blackout lining has been up for about 2 years - now covered in black mould. One corner (the corner where the 2 outside walls meet) starting to show mould on the walls.

2nd bedroom - large back bedroom (just one outside wall) is other children's bedroom (both aged 8). Blind in there also covered in mould. White uPVC window frame need to be cleaned regularly to stop mould forming on them too. No signs of mould in their room (not cold though).

Is there anything we can do as a short term / cheap solution. Have planning permission to extend (will mean both bedrooms gets new outside walls which I presume will be better insulated etc) and will perhaps look at getting new windows then too but the extension might still be a couple of years off. Want to know if there is anything we can do now.

Thanks

seems very strange when you've had new windows and that despite dg and ch it is still cold.
we had this years ago in our other house but new windows fixed it. Could you get a dehumidifier until you get the extension done? do your windows have trickle vents, can you leave them open slightly during the day? Drying washing on rads causes condensation-do you?
not an expert just hope that helps x

Many thanks - we don't dry washing in the house at all, we have an external utility room. I think we might get a de-humidifier and see if that helps.

Thank you for your reply.

Hi there. I've just had this problem in our new house. I wanted to avoid any heavy-duty chemicals so did a bit of research.

1. Take curtains / blinds down and wash them in bio washing powder
2. Spray walls with neat white vinegar. Leave for one hour and scrub to remove. (this could be enough but I added the next step to remove the smell of vinegar)
3. Spray the walls with a tea tree oil in water solution and leave to dry.
4. Put a damp trap on the windowsill (got mine in Lakeland as you can buy the refill crystals there too)
5. If possible, leave a small window slightly ajar during the night as our breathing causes condensation.

It's early days but I haven't seen the mould returning yet.....
Hope this helps!

We too have problem with mould but due to house being 200yrs old and only single layer of brick, no foundations, double glazing or insulation. Had a specialist company survey 2 weeks ago and they said biggest prob is ventilation esp this time of year when doors and windows are shut. We were told to use fan in bathroom and if poss have backdoor in kitchen open a tiny bit when cooking to let steam out. He said steam from tumble dryer, bath, shower, cooking all dissapears in day time but when temp of house drops overnight it all forms condensation on walls and windows = mould. Or get a dehumidifier. Good luck

We ahve this problem and am quite glad to see others do too. We did use a dehumidifier for about two hours a day for a while but it is fearsomely expensive. When I phoned the electricity company to query our bill she asked me if we had any new equipment in the house and when I mentioned the dehumidifier she said she had suspected as much.

I don't use the crystal traps either as I am terrified of my small DCs playing with them.

I do wash the walls down as described above.

I also wipe the windows down with my old muslins every morning, open the windows as much as possible, particularly when cooking and leave them ajar in the position where you can lock them and clean down the woodwork weekly. It's muc better but not perfect.

OP we have a similar house with the box room having 2 outside walls and being freezing.

DH has just changed the radiator in there for a double one. The difference is amazing! Baby sleeps in there and it is now nice and cosy. In fact, radiator is turned down because it is so warm.

Do you have an airvent in that room?

OP we have a similar house with the box room having 2 outside walls and being freezing.

DH has just changed the radiator in there for a double one. The difference is amazing! Baby sleeps in there and it is now nice and cosy. In fact, radiator is turned down because it is so warm.

Do you have an airvent in that room?

You need more ventilation.

If there are no trickle vents, start by opening all bedroom windows every day between getting out of bed and making bed.

Do you use an effective extractor fan in the bathroom?

We have this problem in our bedroom (L shaped bungalow and our bedroom is at the back).

We find there is less condensation when keeping the window open all the time (except when we go out).

Thank you for all the replies. I'm not sure about the trickle vents, will check. No extractor in bathroom, but do open window. Also open windows when cooking and tumble dryer is in external utility so no moisture comes into house that way. The double radiator point is good and useful tips on cleaning it, thank you. Looks like we have to open windows more.

Thanks everyone,

Depending on wind direction, an open bathroom window might blow steam out, or into the house.