Featured image source: BBC
I recently watched BBC Panorama: Britain’s Mouldy Homes, and Sinead’s story really stood out.
She lives in a flat in Brighton with her son, who has been experiencing asthmatic symptoms and frequent illnesses.
Doctors have linked his health issues to the mould growing in their home.
Despite raising the issue, her landlord hasn’t done enough to fix it.
The council rejected her initial application for help too.
It’s a situation I’ve seen far too often.
1. What Does Sinead Actually Need?
Councils and landlords are failing to fix mould properly.
We’ve been asked to work as subcontractors for council jobs before, and in many cases, they just want us to wipe the mould down and leave.
That’s not how mould removal works.
As you can see in the Panorama episode, this approach only makes the mould come back.
Proper mould remediation needs:
- Full decontamination to remove the mould and stop it from spreading.
- Air treatment to clear spores from the air.
- Finding the root cause so it doesn’t return.
Councils are cutting corners because of budget issues, but as Panorama highlighted, this is seriously affecting children’s health and parents’ mental wellbeing.
It needs to be a priority.
2. Dehumidifiers & Ventilation: A Quick Fix That Isn’t Enough
Sinead was given two dehumidifiers and increased ventilation.
Dehumidifiers do help reduce moisture levels, which makes it harder for mould to grow.
But if the mould is already there, all a dehumidifier does is circulate the spores around the room.
Most dehumidifiers don’t have strong enough filters to trap mould spores, so they can actually make things worse.
Ventilation is always a good idea, but if the mould keeps returning, there’s probably a deeper issue.
That could be:
- Water ingress from leaks or rising damp.
- Poor insulation leading to cold walls and condensation.
- Exposure to wet, coastal weather (especially in places like Brighton).
Instead of basic dehumidifiers, she might need a Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) system, which actively pushes fresh air into the home.
I’d also want to know if her extractor fans are actually working and whether her windows have proper ventilation.
3. Low Heating Advice is Making Things Worse
She was advised to keep her heating low.
This is bad advice for homes with mould problems.
When you don’t heat your home enough, external walls stay cold.
If those walls also lack insulation, you get cold spots where condensation forms.
And condensation? That’s a perfect breeding ground for mould.
Keeping the heating on at a minimum of 16 degrees can help, but it won’t solve the issue alone.
The insulation needs to be assessed and improved if necessary.
4. Why Cleaning Mould Yourself Can Backfire
It sounds like Sinead cleans the mould herself a lot.
This might make the walls look better temporarily… but it’s actually making things worse.
When mould is cleaned with chemicals, it goes into survival mode and releases more spores into the air.
This:
- Lowers air quality inside the home.
- Spreads mould to other areas of the property.
Proper removal isn’t just about wiping it away. You need the right techniques and treatments to make sure it’s fully eliminated.
What Needs to Happen?
Sinead’s case is far from unique.
If landlords and councils don’t take mould seriously, families will continue to suffer.
A real solution involves:
- Proper mould removal, not just wiping it down.
- A full structural assessment to find the root cause.
- Better ventilation systems, not just basic dehumidifiers.
- Fixing insulation issues to prevent cold spots and condensation.
This isn’t just a housing issue—it’s a health crisis.
Hopefully, the exposure from BBC Panorama will push councils and landlords to take action before more families end up in the same situation.
What Can You Do If You’re in Sinead’s Position?
If you’re dealing with mould in your home and struggling to get your landlord or council to take action, here are some realistic steps you can take.
If you’re dealing with mould and struggling to get your landlord or council to act, here’s what you can do.
1. Prevent Mould from Getting Worse
While waiting for a proper fix, the focus should be on stopping mould from spreading further.
- Increase ventilation – Open trickle vents, keep doors ajar, and use extractor fans properly (run them for at least 20 minutes after showers and cooking).
- Reduce condensation – Wipe down moisture from windows and cold surfaces gently to avoid disturbing mould.
- Keep rooms above 16°C – Cold walls cause condensation, which leads to mould growth. Keeping the heating consistent helps prevent this.
- Don’t overcrowd rooms – Leave space between furniture and walls to improve airflow.
2. Don’t Disturb the Mould
Mould spores only release into the air when disturbed.
- Do not scrub or wipe mould away. This spreads spores and can make the problem worse.
- Avoid using bleach or DIY mould sprays. They often don’t kill spores, and the moisture from cleaning can even help mould regrow.
- If you have to enter a badly mouldy room, wear a mask to avoid breathing in spores.
3. Get a Professional to Remove It
Mould needs safe removal, not just a quick wipe-down.
- Report it in writing to your landlord or council. Attach photos and evidence.
- Mention the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) – This law requires councils to investigate mould hazards.
- Request a professional mould assessment – This will check for hidden water leaks, insulation issues, or ventilation problems.
- If ignored, escalate the issue – Contact Environmental Health, Shelter, or Citizens Advice for legal support.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dealing with mould, you’re not alone.
It’s frustrating, especially when landlords brush it off or councils take forever to respond.
But with the right approach, you can take control of the situation, protect your health, and push for real action.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll be sharing more mould-related advice soon.
Author: Tom Colgan
Director of AirFresh
Founder of UKAME
