In summer Mallorca is dry and hot – winter is a different story. Many owners come back in spring to find a musty smell, mildew spots on the walls or mould behind the furniture. The cause is almost always the same: an empty, unheated house with the shutters closed.
Why fincas get damp in winter
- High humidity: Mallorca's winter months are cool and damp. Without heating or ventilation, moisture builds up inside.
- Cold, thick walls: stone walls cool down and moisture condenses on their inner faces.
- Rising damp: many old fincas have no damp-proof course. Water is drawn up into the masonry from below.
- No air movement: closed shutters, closed wardrobes, furniture right against the wall – that's where mould appears first.
How to spot it
A musty smell when you walk in, dark patches in corners or behind wardrobes, flaking paint at skirting level, clammy mattresses and fabrics. At that point at the latest, it's time to act.
What helps
1. Regular airing
If someone looks after the house, they should air it thoroughly on dry, sunny days. In rain or fog, airing tends to let even more moisture in.
2. Keep a base temperature
A house that never drops below roughly 12 to 15 °C has far fewer problems with condensation on the walls.
3. A dehumidifier over the winter
A dehumidifier with a hose or condensate pump can run all winter and keeps humidity low without anyone having to empty the tank. It's the most reliable solution for houses that stand empty for months.
4. Fix the causes
With rising damp or leaks, no dehumidifier will help in the long run – the cause needs a building fix.