As winter tightens its grip on the UK, bringing colder temperatures, households are urgently seeking effective and affordable ways to combat the twin problems of condensation and mould. Everyday activities like cooking dinner or drying laundry indoors release significant moisture into the air. When this damp air gets trapped inside poorly ventilated spaces, it settles on cold surfaces like windows and walls, creating condensation and accelerating the growth of harmful mould.
What Exactly is 'House Burping'?
The solution gaining widespread attention is remarkably simple and completely free. Known as 'house burping', the practice involves regularly opening your windows for brief periods, typically just 10 to 15 minutes each day. Much like burping a baby, this action releases the stale, moisture-laden air trapped inside your home and draws in fresh, drier air from outside.
Helen O'Connor, a product manager at 247 Blinds, explained the critical nature of this to Ideal Home, stating: 'If you’re not letting your home breathe, you are cultivating an environment for mould to grow.' This guidance is particularly vital in homes where extractor fans are ineffective or ventilation systems are blocked.
For the most effective air exchange, experts recommend opening several windows at once on opposite sides of your home to create a strong cross-draught. This helps to flush out the damp air along with any lingering unpleasant odours. However, it is crucial not to leave windows open for too long, as this leads to excessive heat loss, reduces your home's energy efficiency, and ultimately increases heating costs.
Rights for Renters and Awaab's Law
For those living in rented accommodation, the responsibility for addressing damp and mould is a pressing issue. Landlords in the private rental sector are facing mounting pressure to improve ventilation and tackle problems promptly.
Tenants are advised to take immediate action by documenting any mould presence with photographs and reporting their concerns to landlords or housing providers without delay. For residents in social housing, Awaab’s Law, introduced in October 2025, provides stronger protections. This law mandates that landlords must investigate reports of damp or mould and begin necessary repairs within a strict time frame, with response times scaled according to the severity of the risk to residents.
Additional Strategies to Combat Moisture and Mould
While house burping is a powerful tool, it works best when combined with other moisture-busting strategies:
- Use Extractor Fans: Install and regularly use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove humid air at its source. Modern models with humidity sensors can adjust airflow automatically for maximum efficiency.
- Invest in a Dehumidifier: Portable dehumidifiers actively reduce indoor moisture, especially in rooms prone to dampness, helping to maintain humidity below the recommended 60%.
- Avoid Drying Clothes Indoors: This releases a large amount of moisture. Use vented tumble dryers or dry clothes outdoors whenever possible.
- Monitor Humidity: Use affordable hygrometers to keep track of moisture levels, allowing for timely ventilation adjustments.
- Heat Consistently: Keep your home heated at a consistent, low temperature rather than turning the heating on and off intermittently. Warm surfaces are less likely to attract condensation.
- Clean Mould Promptly: Address mouldy areas immediately using damp cloths and mild detergent or specialist anti-mould sprays. For an eco-friendly solution, vinegar or diluted tea tree oil can be effective treatments.
This German-inspired practice, also known as Stoßlüften or 'shock ventilation', offers a simple yet highly effective method for UK residents to protect their health, their belongings, and their homes from the damaging effects of winter damp.
