New Programme to Help Scottish Families Combat Mould and Damp at Home

Families across Scotland are taking part in a groundbreaking 12-month programme aimed at tackling mould and damp in homes – before it rolls out across the UK later this year.

Launched by Indoor Air Aware and funded by Energy Action Scotland, this initiative is designed to support households struggling with damp conditions, particularly those with young children. The goal? To educate and equip families with the tools and knowledge to prevent and safely manage mould in their homes, improving both their living environment and long-term health.

Why This Matters

Mould isn’t just an eyesore – it’s a serious health hazard, especially for children whose lungs are still developing. With rising energy costs forcing many families to underheat their homes, the problem has only worsened.

How It Works

Selected households – across social, private, and owner-occupied housing – are receiving hands-on support, including:

• Home visits to assess ventilation, heating, and building efficiency.
• Smart air monitors paired with a user-friendly app, allowing expert advisors to track conditions and offer tailored advice.
• Guidance on daily habits, like drying clothes and showering, that contribute to moisture build-up.
• Health tracking to measure how improved indoor environments affect residents’ wellbeing.

Knowledge is Power

To help families take control, Indoor Air Aware has launched ‘Mums Versus Mould’ – a fast-growing Facebook community of 1,500+ families sharing tips and support for tackling mould issues.

Lisa Malyon, Founder of Indoor Air Aware, shares her top 10 expert tips to prevent mould at home:

1. Balance heat, ventilation, and insulation – mould needs moisture, so keeping surfaces dry is key.
2. Always use ventilation like extractor fans and trickle vents – opening a window just 5cm can make a big difference.
3. Cook using the back rings of your hob – your extractor fan will be more effective this way.
4. Try a ‘daily detox’ – open all windows wide for a few minutes each day to clear stale air and moisture.
5. Separate ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ rooms – avoid drying clothes or using steam irons in bedrooms and living rooms.
6. Do the maths – air drying with a dehumidifier may seem cost-effective, but a properly vented tumble dryer might be cheaper.
7. Don’t clean large mould patches yourself – if it’s bigger than a tea towel, get professional help.
8. Avoid bleach – it feeds mould growth and can worsen the problem.
9. Skip ‘mould sprays’ – most contain bleach, which isn’t effective for long-term prevention.
10. Use pure white vinegar and a microfibre cloth to clean mould, followed by a wipe-down with soapy water. Always wear gloves and a mask for safety.

What’s Next?

The programme will run for a full year, with findings compiled into a final report assessing its impact. With the pilot already underway, Scottish families are taking the first steps towards healthier, safer homes – one breath at a time.