R.A.I.N. S.H.I.E.L.D. – Your Guide to Tackling Damp and Mould at Home

Damp and mould don’t just damage your home — they can also affect your health and wellbeing. At Green IOW, we’re committed to helping households across the Isle of Wight create warmer, healthier, and more energy-efficient homes. That’s why we developed the R.A.I.N. S.H.I.E.L.D. system — a simple, step-by-step way to reduce the risk of damp and mould indoors.

Here’s what each letter stands for, and how we can help you take action:

R – Reduce Moisture Indoors

• • Open windows or trickle vents daily
• • Use extractor fans when cooking or showering
• • Dry clothes outside where possible
• • Keep lids on pans to reduce steam
• • Need support? We can advise on affordable ventilation solutions or help you access tools like dehumidifiers through community schemes.

A – Apply Consistent Warmth

• • Set your heating to maintain a regular temperature
• • Insulate your loft and walls to prevent cold spots
• • Use thermal curtains or blinds to keep warmth in
• • We offer free home energy advice and can connect you with insulation grants and heating support programmes.

I – Identify & Eliminate Humidity Sources

• • Fix leaks promptly
• • Keep gutters and drains clear
• • Our team can carry out home energy visits to help you spot hidden problems.

N – Never Ignore Condensation

• • Wipe down windows and cold surfaces daily
• • Leave space behind furniture for airflow
• • Make sure you have sufficient gaps under doors to allow airflow
• • We can advise on simple low-cost solutions to keep your home dry and comfortable.

S – Safely Tackle Existing Mould

• • Use mould remover or a vinegar and water mix (equal parts white vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle.)
• • Always wear gloves and a mask when cleaning
• • Find and fix the source of moisture to stop it returning
• • If mould is widespread or recurring, we can refer you for professional support.

H – Heat Your Home Consistently

• • Keep your home a healthy temperature of 18 – 21 degrees
• • Use programmable thermostats and heating zones
• • We can help you understand your heating system and make it work smarter, not harder.

I – Improve Ventilation

• • Open windows for 10–15 minutes a day
• • Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
• • Keep trickle vents open
• • We’ll look at ventilation issues and recommend affordable fixes.

E – Examine Problem Areas

• • Check behind furniture, around windows, and in corners
• • Look out for musty smells or peeling paint
• • We can help identify potential problem areas during a thermal survey or home energy assessment.

L – Let Air Circulate

• • Don’t block radiators or air vents
• • Leave a gap between furniture and walls
• • Let wardrobes and cupboards breathe, don’t overcrowd them
• • We offer room-by-room advice on simple layout changes to reduce moisture build-up.

D – Deal with Damp Promptly

• • Clean and dry small areas as soon as you spot them
• • Investigate causes or contact us for advice
• • Get professional support for recurring damp or structural issues

How Green IOW Can Help

At Green Isle of Wight CIC, we provide free, impartial home energy advice to residents across the Island. Whether it’s through a community event, a home visit, or phone support, we’re here to help you reduce mould risk, save money on energy, and improve your comfort at home.

📍 From checking insulation to spotting hidden damp, we’ve got your back.
🔗 Visit www.greeniow.org.uk to learn more or book a visit.

Together, let’s make your home a safer, warmer, and healthier place to live. 💚