My friend was visiting her pregnant niece who was showing her the baby’s bedroom. My friend had offered to buy something for baby’s room and her niece was saying what was planned. My friend noticed that there was black mould on the walls and window frames and was most concerned. “I’ll clean that off with bleach, “said her niece airily. Though there were obviously no water penetration problems (say, by problems in the slates) in this newish house my friend was really concerned and went to get some advice.

Basically damp is caused by moisture and lack of ventilation. It often occurs when moisture-laden air from inside the house meets the cold of the walls or windows and condenses. This makes a fertile ground for mould and fungus. This is not good for young babies as asthma can be triggered by sensitivity to mould spores. A very dilute solution of bleach WILL remove mould but it is no use if it still keeps coming back. It appeared that the problem was the elderly double glazed units which were sealed so tight they didn’t allow any air exchange in this small room. My friend decided to buy as her present some new units and asked her to get a number of prices for double glazing. Nowadays these have to be fitted with in-built ventilation, called trickle vents, and if the problem is severe it is worth fitting an air-brick too.

The important thing is to manage an eco-friendly baby’s bedroom by opening the window for ventilation in the summer – and even using a humidifier if there is still condensation in the winter.

Damp, in a word.