How to deal with damp

Jeanette Myburgh of Durban writes My home always smells of damp in winter; what can I do to alleviate the problem?

Trevor Brewer, director of air treatment specialists Solenco, replies

In winter, excess moisture caused by rain and humidity results in all sorts of nuisances and hazards, even to our health – including everything from frizzy hair and slippery floors to smelly laundry, rust and even toxic mould. It can also cause symptoms such as a blocked nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, skin irritation or breathing difficulties. Look out for these culprits:

Heavy rains, flooding and leaks If your house has been affected by heavy rains or flooding, you could be dealing with damage to the roof and window frames. Structurally, this is dangerous, and you’ll need to get rid of any water and prevent more from getting in as soon as possible. In terms of your health, wet furniture causes mould and mould spreads quickly, creating spores that can enter the lungs and result in respiratory discomfort and sometimes more serious conditions, such as asthma.

Poor ventilation Holiday homes have their own moisture issues, such as slippery floor tiles and sticky surfaces from all the humidity, but when you combine that with poor ventilation, you can expect mould, rust and that awful damp smell, which tends to worsen while your home is locked up in the off season. This is also a problem in our permanent homes during winter when we tend to forget to ventilate. So be sure to open your windows for a couple of hours every day.

Indoor laundry During the rainy season, we’re often forced to dry our laundry indoors. With the rain also comes the cold. We close our windows to retain heat, not realising that we’re trapping moisture from multiple sources, including our laundry, inside our homes which then wreaks havoc on our furniture and health.

Small, dark spaces Garages, for example, are a prime breeding ground for mould and rust as they typically don’t get enough air or light. In coastal homes, boats, wetsuits and jet skis add to an already damp and humid environment and it’s often really difficult to keep these spaces fresh and free of mould.

It’s clear that even without the constant rain, moisture can and will penetrate your home. If you’re living with any of the above culprits, or you’re greeted by musty smells as you arrive home, it could be time to invest in a dehumidifier. Like a really clever vacuum cleaner, a dehumidifier breathes in air, removes all the moisture and then breathes dry air out again, making the air both lighter and dryer by up to 60%. This, in turn, prevents mould and mildew, quick-dries laundry and paint, removes odours from damp clothes and furnishings, and keeps your surrounding moisture levels optimal. >>

CONTACT solencosa.co.za