As kitchens across Britain work overtime to prepare festive feasts this Christmas, experts are warning of a hidden side effect: a surge in damp and mould. The combination of increased cooking and colder weather creates the perfect environment for moisture to become trapped in homes.
The Hidden Cost of Christmas Cooking
Countless households will be cramming their ovens and hobs with turkeys, roast potatoes, vegetables, and all the trimmings. However, this culinary effort releases significant moisture into the air. Condensation forms when this warm, humid air meets cold surfaces like windows, walls, and kitchen units, leading to water droplets and, ultimately, mould if left unchecked.
Alison Potter, Senior Editor at the consumer champion Which?, highlighted the issue. "Every day activities like cooking and drying clothes can lead to a lot of moisture in the air," she explained. With properties particularly vulnerable during the colder months, she has flagged three incredibly simple tweaks to make while cooking that can help keep problems at bay.
Three Expert Tips to Slash Moisture
Alison Potter's advice focuses on simple, immediate actions that require no extra heating.
Firstly, put lids on your pans. This acts as a crucial barrier, dramatically reducing the amount of steam billowing out into the cooler kitchen air. An added bonus is that food cooks quicker with a lid on, which can help conserve energy.
Secondly, use your extractor fan. It's advised to have the fan running throughout your cooking session and for at least 10 to 15 minutes afterwards to manage any moisture that has already escaped.
Thirdly, ventilate the room. "To get rid of that build up, open a window," said Alison. Opening a window facilitates crucial air circulation. For maximum effect, keep the kitchen door closed to confine the humid air to one room and prevent it from spreading to colder areas of your home.
Preventing Long-Term Damage
Ignoring this seasonal surge in humidity can have consequences. The water vapour from cooking readily transforms into condensation on chilly surfaces, which is the primary breeding ground for mould. This isn't just an issue for windows; walls and kitchen cabinetry are also typical culprits.
By implementing these three straightforward steps—covering pans, using the extractor, and ventilating—households can effectively manage moisture levels. This proactive approach helps protect your property from damp and mould while also offering a potential saving on energy costs, a welcome relief during the expensive festive period.
