Mould isn’t just a nuisance on walls or windowsills. It’s a sign that something is wrong with your indoor climate. Left unchecked, mould can damage building materials, create health concerns, and reduce the overall comfort and air quality of your home.

The good news? Mould prevention is mostly about managing moisture and maintaining good airflow. Especially during the winter season, when windows stay shut and heating systems work hard, it's essential to ensure your home remains fresh, dry, and well-ventilated. This guide covers 10 practical tips to help you prevent mould and improve indoor air quality without sacrificing warmth or energy efficiency.

1. Ensure Proper Ventilation in All Areas

2. Maintain Consistent Heating to Prevent Condensation

3. Monitor and Control Indoor Humidity

4. Insulate Cold Walls and Surfaces to Prevent Mould

5. Use Extractor Fans in Wet Rooms

6. Avoid Drying Clothes Indoors

7. Clean Gutters and Check for Leaks

8. Apply Anti-Mould Paint to Prevent Black Mould Growth

9. Design or Choose Your Home with Airflow in Mind to Limit Airborne Spores

10. Consider an Automated Ventilation System for Long-Term Comfort

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1. Ensure proper ventilation in all areas

A lack of airflow is one of the most common causes of mould growth. To keep your indoor air healthy, it’s crucial to let fresh air in and stale, moist air out. In colder months, short but intensive airing—opening windows wide for a few minutes—is more effective than leaving them ajar all day. This method reduces moisture and prevents excessive cooling of walls and ceilings.

Use extractor fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms during and after use. If certain rooms are seldom used, like guest bedrooms or storage areas, they still need regular airing to avoid stagnant air and damp.

2. Maintain consistent heating to prevent condensation

Condensation forms when warm, moist air hits cold surfaces. That’s why consistent heating plays a big role in mould prevention. Avoid letting rooms get too cold, especially in winter months. Fluctuating temperatures and underheated spaces create ideal conditions for moisture buildup.

Heating every room—even at a low preset temperature—keeps surfaces like walls, windows, and ceilings from becoming cold enough for condensation to settle. This also helps your heating system work more efficiently and keeps your home comfortable.

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3. Monitor and control indoor humidity

High indoor humidity can lead to rapid microbial growth, including mould and mildew. Use a hygrometer to keep track of moisture levels. Ideally, your home’s humidity should stay between 40% and 60%.

Cooking, showering, and even breathing contribute to indoor humidity. If levels consistently stay high, consider using a dehumidifier or increasing ventilation. Keeping humidity in check is one of the most reliable ways to maintain a healthy indoor environment.

4. Insulate cold walls and surfaces to prevent mould

Cold surfaces attract moisture. External walls, corners, and poorly insulated windows can become condensation magnets. Once moisture settles, it creates the perfect environment for mould.

Insulating these cold zones helps prevent excessive cooling and reduces the likelihood of water vapour settling. You can also use thermal wallpaper, foam panels, or pipe insulation for smaller problem areas.

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5. Use extractor fans in wet rooms

Bathrooms, toilets, and kitchens generate high amounts of water vapour. That’s why regulations in many countries recommend using extractor fans in these areas—ideally with a timer or humidity sensor.

Extractor fans help stale, damp air escape before it can condense on ceilings or around windows. Make sure fans are kept clean and in good working order to prevent poor ventilation from causing mould problems.

6. Avoid drying clothes indoors

Drying laundry indoors can release litres of water vapour into the air. This moisture easily settles on cooler surfaces and increases the risk of mould. If you must dry clothes inside, do so in a room with proper ventilation and heating.

Better alternatives include vented tumble dryers, dehumidifiers, or drying clothes outside whenever possible. Reducing indoor moisture from laundry makes a noticeable difference in keeping homes warm and dry.

7. Clean gutters and check for leaks

Gutters and downpipes that are clogged or damaged can lead to damp patches on walls and ceilings—especially during the rainy winter season. Water can seep into the building fabric, creating invisible moisture sources that eventually show up as mould.

Make it a habit to inspect and clean your gutters at least twice a year. Also check for leaks in bathrooms, under sinks, and around windows. Preventing water ingress is as important as managing indoor humidity.

8. Apply anti-mould paint to prevent black mould growth

Certain areas are more prone to mould, especially in older or poorly ventilated homes. Corners, window frames, and bathroom ceilings are common trouble spots. When repainting, choose anti-mould or mould-resistant paints for these zones.

These coatings help stop mould spores from settling and spreading. While not a complete solution on their own, they work well alongside proper ventilation and heating.

9. Design or choose your home with airflow in mind to limit spores

Furniture placement, window access, and door positioning all influence how air moves through your home. Avoid blocking radiators or placing large furniture directly against external walls, where airflow is most needed.

If you’re building or renovating, choose layouts that support cross ventilation and allow air to circulate between rooms. Even subtle changes—like leaving doors open when airing—can significantly improve how your home "breathes."

10. Consider an automated ventilation system for long-term comfort

If you're tired of condensation, damp corners, and constantly opening windows in cold weather, a whole-home automated ventilation system could be the answer. These systems extract humid, stale air and replace it with fresh, filtered air—all while recovering heat to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

They work consistently across all rooms, reducing mould risk and supporting a healthy indoor climate. Ideal for modern, airtight homes or households with recurring moisture issues.

Want help finding the right system? The Zehnder HRV Selector helps you explore the best ventilation solutions for your layout and comfort needs.

Conclusion
Mould is more than a cosmetic issue—it’s a sign that your indoor environment needs better moisture and airflow control. By focusing on ventilation, humidity management, and consistent heating, you can reduce mould risk and improve the quality of the air you breathe.
Zehnder's mechanical ventilation systems offer year-round protection against mould and stale air. Use the Zehnder HRV Selector to find a solution that fits your home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mould Prevention

Mould growth on internal walls is often the result of trapped moisture, poor insulation, or water leaks. Adequate ventilation and moisture control can help prevent mould growth in these areas.

Start by cleaning mouldy walls and window sills with mould removal products. Ensure surfaces dry completely and improve air circulation to prevent future problems.

Toxic black mould can lead to symptoms like runny nose, skin irritation, or more serious issues in those with compromised immune systems. Persistent condensation and damp conditions often make it worse.

Window condensation indicates excess indoor humidity. If not addressed, it can create a breeding ground for mould spores and result in mouldy walls or damaged window sills.

Yes. Combine moisture control techniques, use mould inhibiting paints, repair faulty guttering, and ensure double glazing is not compromising ventilation. Regular mould removal and maintaining relative humidity levels are key.

Absolutely. Poor insulation causes cold surfaces where condensation occurs, leading to mould growth. Insulating walls and windows can reduce these risks.

Improve ventilation and check for water leaks or moisture collecting in hidden areas. Using damp proof materials and keeping spaces energy efficient can also help trap less moisture.

Yes. While they retain heat better, energy efficient homes often need mechanical systems to maintain adequate air circulation and prevent mould in damp conditions.

Keeping relative humidity between 40–60% helps avoid mould growing on surfaces. Use a hygrometer to monitor levels and ventilate as needed.

To prevent mould from forming on cold surfaces, focus on insulating external walls and ensuring proper ventilation. These steps reduce the chances of condensation, which is one of the main causes of mould. Keep temperatures consistent throughout your home, especially in winter. For added protection, use anti-mould paint in vulnerable areas and avoid placing large furniture directly against cold walls, where airflow is limited. These strategies are among the most effective ways for how to prevent mould and protect your walls long term.

Black mould can produce allergens and irritants that may cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Prolonged exposure may worsen health risks for those with asthma or weakened immune systems.

Use protective gloves and a mask, clean the area with mould-killing products, and ventilate the space well. Prevent regrowth by reducing humidity and improving airflow.

Bedroom mould is often caused by high humidity, poor ventilation, and cold walls. Use a dehumidifier, ensure daily airing, and avoid placing furniture tightly against external walls.

Yes, both dust mites and mould prefer warm, humid environments. Keeping humidity below 60% and ventilating regularly helps reduce the presence of both.

The best way is to control moisture and improve airflow. Keep humidity between 40–60%, maintain consistent heating, and ventilate every room regularly.

Cleaning products can kill surface mould, but long-term prevention comes from addressing the root cause: excess moisture and poor ventilation.

Heating helps prevent condensation, especially on walls and ceilings. Warmer surfaces are less likely to collect moisture, reducing mould risk.

Ventilation removes stale, moist air and replaces it with fresh air. This keeps humidity in check and helps prevent condensation and mould.

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