Winter humidity and mould in coastal homes: a Marbella guide
Sea air and cool, damp winters can leave Costa del Sol homes musty, especially when they stand empty. How to prevent damp and mould, and clean it safely.
· 1 min read
Why coastal homes get damp in winter
Close to the sea, the air carries a lot of moisture. In winter, when homes are cooler and windows stay shut, that moisture settles on cold walls, window frames and in bathrooms, and a closed-up second home has nothing moving the air around.
The first signs are a musty smell, condensation on glass in the morning and dark spots in grout or corners.
Prevention comes first
Air the home regularly, even briefly, and keep wardrobe and interior doors open in an empty home. A dehumidifier helps in rooms that stay damp.
Wipe condensation off windows and shower glass rather than letting it dry where it lands, and don't dry laundry indoors without ventilation.
Cleaning mould safely
Small spots of mould on tiles and grout can be cleaned with a suitable mould cleaner, gloves and good ventilation. Never mix bleach-based products with ammonia or acids.
Mould that keeps coming back, or covers a large area, is a sign of a moisture problem in the building. That needs looking at by a professional — cleaning only treats the symptom.
Regular visits while you're away
For homes that stand empty through the winter, regular visits keep air moving and catch damp early. Every Lavanda clean includes bathrooms, interior windows and AC grilles, and we send you photos of the finished rooms.
Book online to see the starting price; we confirm the final price for your property before the clean.
