Simple daily habit in the kitchen can help reduce damp in your home

Condensation can cause health problems, along with damage to paint, plaster and woodwork. A significant portion of childhood asthma cases have been linked to it

The arrival of the cold weather brings with it an increased risk of condensation - and mould - in our homes.

Condensation occurs when warm air meets a cold surface, so when the temperature drops outside and it's cosy inside, you'll notice condensation forming on your windows. It's well known that condensation can lead to health issues, as well as causing damage to paint, plaster and woodwork.

At the milder end of the spectrum, people may experience symptoms such as runny noses, sore throats and coughing due to condensation. More seriously, persistent dampness indoors can provide the perfect environment for toxic black mould, stachybotrys chartarum - which has been directly linked to severe respiratory problems and more.

The World Health Organisation has connected a significant number of childhood asthma cases to condensation. Therefore, it's crucial to keep our homes free from condensation - and this boils down to good ventilation.

While many have invested in dehumidifiers for their homes, there are other simple steps you can take to combat the problem. Chris Michael, managing director of UK air treatment specialist Meaco, shared some of his top tips. Starting with the kitchen, he advises using an extractor fan when cooking, always covering your saucepans, and opening a window or door to allow excess steam to escape.

After a hot shower or bath, it's always a good idea to open a window for at least 10 minutes with the door shut to let out any excess moisture. It's also recommended to wipe down your windows every morning to remove any extra moisture and prevent mould from forming.

Adam Pawson, a property expert at Safestyle, advised: "If your home is suffering from condensation, dampness or mould, the best thing you can do is to try and improve the ventilation inside. Try to regularly open windows to allow air to move freely and let moist air escape from the property. Ventilation systems such as extractor fans can also massively help to reduce the condensation in your home."

Other useful methods to decrease humidity in your home could involve upgrading your bathroom and kitchen extractor fans to make them more efficient. You could also go green; we've previously revealed which plants are best for reducing condensation and mould in the home.

Houseplants can be an effective natural way to lower moisture levels in the air, making it less conducive for mould. Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: "Mould thrives in small spaces, especially bathrooms where there is a lot of excess moisture. Instead of using chemicals or an electric dehumidifier, adding a houseplant to the bathroom is a simple and natural solution to fight mould in a small, humid room.

"Adding greenery also purifies the air and adds a refreshing touch to your bathroom. It's important to keep in mind that not all plants are well-adjusted to damp conditions."