preventing kitchen damp in apartment

[frugal90]

Good people of the Kibkom forum.

We have a little apartment and have just noticed that there is a little damp on the ceiling and wall above the cooker.

We have a cooker hood, but it is the recirculating type as it would be really difficult to try and get one vented to the outside.

So I am looking for the answers to two questions:

Q1. How could I take away more of the moisture when cooking- would a dehumidifier help, or are their extractors with pipes that I could place outside the window- the way people used to do it for tumble driers?

Q2. There is actually very little damp but what is the best way to treat it- do you get special paint that is more moisture resistant for kitchen areas?

thanks Kibkomers for any advice

as always looking for cheap but effective solutions

frugal

[Navek]

Hi frugal90,

Cheapest option.
1. Open windows back and front of apt, before you start cooking.
Also leave windows open as much as possible,
this will let plenty of free fresh air circulate,
and possibly stop/reduce dampness.
Close when raining.

2. If you're a top floor apt, check roof for leakage.
If there is any sign of leakage, cheapest option,
Follow instructions in 1. above

Good luck.

[Deniz1]

Check the apartment above if there is one it may be they have a leak somewhere.

[Groucho]

Distilled vinegar (the clear colourless type) will kill any mould spores. Clean off the worst with soap and water then wipe the vinegar on over the affected area with a damp cloth and allow to dry with good ventilation.

[Jonnie]

I think you have to establish it it is damp or condensation. Ventilation will cure condensation. Often there may be a balcony or terrace above which may be the source of damp especially if not drained correctly.

I have damp, the rising, outside wall, Cyprus rust type behind my kitchen cabinets and am thinking about putting in an air brick as the cabinets can end up with a fusty smell, anyone got any comment, input or advice.

[sophie]

Johniie, I know two people who solved the problem quite quickly with your suggestion re air bricks. One in kitchen and another in bathroom. When you think about it, its commonsense with the type of construction here and should be installed as standard. It won't be of course, but we live in hope!!

[Ragged Robin]

Get a microwave!!!!!

Seriously itf it is over the cooker, once you have checked it is not a leak from above, tt could well be condensation from cooking, particularly if you boil, steam or fry a lot! I had a similar problem and solved it with tiling the wall so it was easy to wipe over regularlyl but you may not want to do this if the apartment is rented , but wipe with vinegar as previously suggested as this will also remove grease which may be part of the problem.do

Also ventilate: if you cant get a through draft, consider an extractor fan, not necessarily over the cooker or even an ordinary fan combined with open window or door.

Remember also with winter coming that gas heaters give out moisture, so despite the cost, consider electricity. I have a wall mounted fam heater.which also stimulates ventilation.

Johnnie: Would silica gel help with the kitchen cupboards?? I used it in the UK for damp wardrobes but am not sure if it can be used in cupboards containing food - if used make sure it is labelled and out of reachof children and animals.
?

[Navek]

Hi Jonnie,

Air Bricks would be a very good idea, depending on where the dampness is coming from.
If rising, put them above ground level, 2 feet maybe. (Not an Expert)

If coming from above, you should try to repair the problem first.
Once repaired, you may not need to fit Air Bricks.

The main thing would be to find out where the dampness is coming from,
before you start fitting any Air Bricks.
Could be a simple fix.

Good luck

I think Air Bricks should be fitted to most houses here, it would solve a lot of problems!

[Groucho]

Oh by the way - did you know that most air-con units have a dehumidifier function? It may not be that obvious looking at the remote control but is most often indicated by a water drip symbol. This setting will remove moisture from the air and is often unused. If you have that function no need to spend money on the type often sold and then criticised because they only concentrate the water into a reservoir and leave it in the room unless you are very conscientious and empty the water out every few hours....