Air it out
When you have a warm, dry home it makes it harder for germs to spread. A dry home is also easier to heat – so doing what you can to reduce moisture can also help keep the bills down.
- Open your windows and doors for a few minutes each day, even in winter. Sunny air is dry air, and dry air is easier to heat.
- Open your curtains during the day to let the sun warm the house, and close them just before it gets dark to keep the warmth in.
- Dry your washing outside or in the garage or carport. This keeps moisture out of the house.
- If your mattress is on the floor, get a bed base so air can circulate underneath.
- Let the steam out by opening windows and turning on extractor fans in the kitchen when you cook, and in the bathroom when you shower or take a bath.
- Use lids on pots when cooking.
- Wipe off any water (condensation) that builds up from inside of your windows and walls.
- Air out when you turn off the heater. Releasing the heat before you leave the room helps to avoid condensation.
- Keep in touch with your landlord or property manager about any damage that could be causing moisture issues. Things like broken extractor fans, blocked or leaking downpipes and gutters, leaks in pipes, dampness or leaks in walls or ceilings, and signs of mould can cause major problems if left unfixed.
Clean it
To create that healthy rental feeling regularly clean your home. It’s your responsibility as a tenant to keep your rental home reasonably clean and tidy.
- Regularly clean the bathrooms. If you live with your family, it can be easier having a roster - otherwise someone will always try to avoid it.
- Wipe down benches and the kitchen hob every night after cooking.
- Vacuum and dust regularly. This will keep the air fresh, which is especially important for young children or people in the house who have asthma.
- If you see mould, clean it straight away. Let your landlord know so they can look into the cause.
- Clean your heater or clothes dryer vents. Dust gets trapped and needs to be cleared out regularly.
- Every couple of months run a cleaning cycle through your dishwasher. Old food can sometimes get stuck.