Marks on ceiling

Sshabir

Morning All,
Hope everyone is staying safe and well!
I have noticed these marks on the ceiling of a bedroom that have appeared in my house. I am not sure what they are or what is the best case scenario to resolve the issue.  Any help is much appreciated.  Photo attached
Thanks

searchlight123

it looks like mould caused by condensation issues rather than a leak from above. does the area feel damp to the touch? is this bedroom used to dry clothes in after washing by any chance, and is that an exterior wall where this has occurred?

Sshabir

tonygold said:

it looks like mould caused by condensation issues rather than a leak from above. does the area feel damp to the touch? is this bedroom used to dry clothes in after washing by any chance, and is that an exterior wall where this has occurred?

Thanks tonygold for your reply!
Yes the area feel damp to touch, the bedroom is used to dry clothes on the radiator and it is an exterior wall.  What would be the best way to fix this issue once for all as i don't want it to spread?

couriervanman

Sshabir said:

tonygold said:

it looks like mould caused by condensation issues rather than a leak from above. does the area feel damp to the touch? is this bedroom used to dry clothes in after washing by any chance, and is that an exterior wall where this has occurred?

Thanks tonygold for your reply!
Yes the area feel damp to touch, the bedroom is used to dry clothes on the radiator and it is an exterior wall.  What would be the best way to fix this issue once for all as i don't want it to spread?

Don't dry clothes on radiator

couriervanman

Buy a dehumidifier

Sshabir

couriervanman said:

Buy a dehumidifier

Will do thank you   Do you recommend any dehumidifier?

joe90mitch

Do you crack the windows open whilst drying clothes in there? Ventilation will probably be your best long term bet to reduce the effect. And in drier months, definitely try to dry clothes outside if possible.

For getting rid of it now, it'll need cleaning down (presumably with a mould cleaner) - I'm sure someone on here will suggest a good approach they've used before

MrsStepford

Dettox stuff works. Suggest painting with an anti-mould kitchen and bathroom emulsion after a primer eg Zinsser. Open a window when drying clothes in future. Try to dry outside. Doesn't need to be baking hot, just dry and preferably breezy. If you have a balcony or juliet window, you can buy airers to fit. Alternatively, use the bathroom with an overbath airer.

Jeepers_Creepers

Did it appear very quickly, or gradually?

You shouldn't be drying clothes inside unless you have a LOT of ventilation in that room. If you wish to continue doing so, you could try putting the damp clothes on a clotheshorse instead, and stand it near the windows. Open the windows full, turn the heating off (or very low) and shut the room door - let the air do 90% of the drying, naturally and very likely without any problems. You can then finish it off on the rads if you want - but again the windows should be at least on 'vent' setting.

Sshabir

Jeepers_Creepers said:

Did it appear very quickly, or gradually?

You shouldn't be drying clothes inside unless you have a LOT of ventilation in that room. If you wish to continue doing so, you could try putting the damp clothes on a clotheshorse instead, and stand it near the windows. Open the windows full, turn the heating off (or very low) and shut the room door - let the air do 90% of the drying, naturally and very likely without any problems. You can then finish it off on the rads if you want - but again the windows should be at least on 'vent' setting.

Yes it did appear gradually.  Thanks for your reply!

parcival

Yes, ventilation is the key.  We have been drying clothes in an upstairs room for years. Always use a clothes horse and have vent in Velux open - never had a problem.