KEEPING condensation and mould at bay during winter in your home is a full on job.
But there are some easy and cheap ways to stay on top of it during the cold winter months.
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Aneesa Khan from VonHaus told The Sun: “We’ve all been there – waking up on a cold morning, pulling back the curtains and being greeted by water on your windows. This is one of those small annoyances of daily life.”
While you might be tempted to ignore this, you need to take action.
Aneesa said: “If left unchecked, condensation could lead to bigger problems, such as damaged paintwork – or the growth of mould.”
Not only is that black fuzz unsightly and difficult to shift without careful treatment, it can also cause health issues such as skin rashes and respiratory conditions.
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What’s more, as mould thrives in damp conditions, problems can get exacerbated during the winter. This can mean that toxic fuzz is a real scourge right now.
So what can you do to keep condensation at bay?
Bowl of rock salt
This old-school hack involves placing a bowl of salt on the windowsill to absorb moisture from the air.
Aneesa said: “Salt is ‘hygroscopic’, meaning it attracts water molecules.”
While you can use ordinary table salt – which you can buy at Asda for 65p – you may find that more ‘industrial’ rock salt works better.
This isn’t intended for consumption and is typically used as a de-icer. You can buy a 15kg bag for £8 on Amazon.
Aneesa added: “Just bear in mind its effectiveness is limited by the amount of moisture it can absorb before becoming saturated.”
Cat litter in a sock
This pet product might seem an unconventional way of tackling a condensation problem, but can be surprisingly effective, according to Aneesa.
She said: “Silica gel-based cat litter is particularly good because it’s designed to absorb liquids, making it capable of pulling moisture from the air.”
At Wilko, you can pick up a 3.8 litre bag for £3.49.
What is mould and how to get rid of it?
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.
“That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.
“This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.
“If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there’s not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.
“This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.
“If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.
“The key to tackle mould is to act fast.
“Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.
“The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.
“If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”
Aneesa said: “Simply put some into a container, such as an old sock or breathable bag, and place it in problem areas such as windowsills.
“While it’s not a permanent fix, it’s a clever and cost-effective way to reduce moisture build-up in the short term.”
Chalk and clove oil
Another technique you can try involves using an item you might already have at home in a kid’s arts-and-crafts box.
Aneesa said: “Chalk is another simple yet effective trick. Try placing it on windowsills or in other damp-prone areas to help soak up excess moisture in the air.”
If you need to buy some, you can purchase an eight-pack of giant chalk at B&M for £3.99.
Indoors living aficionado, Aneesa, added: “You can also pair this with clove oil to tackle any mould.”
This clever product has antifungal properties which can kill spores.
Aneesa said: “Not only does clove oil clean the affected area, but it is also considered a deterrent to prevent mould from coming back.”
At Boots, you can buy a 10ml bottle of the oil for £2.99.
Shaving foam
One further hack to tackle condensation involves you rubbing a thin layer of this bathroom staple onto your window glass – and then buffing it off until clear.
The foam will create a protective film.
Aneesa said: “Shaving foam contains ‘surfactants’ which prevent water from clinging to surfaces, leaving your windows fog-free.”
For the best results, re-apply every few weeks.
If you don’t have shaving foam to hand, then washing up liquid can be used in a similar way.
Will they solve your mould and condensation issues?
While all of these hacks will work to some extent, you need to be aware that for homes with persistent condensation or mould problems, they are unlikely to offer a long-lasting fix.
Aneesa said: “These low-cost tricks are worth a try, but if you want to address the root cause of the problem it’s worth thinking about investing in a more reliable solution.”
That’s where a dehumidifier might come into play.
Aneesa added: “These appliances are designed to suck moisture from your home and help maintain optimal indoor humidity levels of around 30-50%.”
While there is an upfront cost to consider, decent compact models – as we reported previously – can come in at under £35.
Also bear in mind that if you end up needing to call in the professionals to deal with a mould problem, you might have to fork out around £300 per room, according to Checkatrade.
Find yourself with a particularly bad case and you could face a bill of around £1,200 to remove mould from your whole property.
When you factor this in, a dehumidifier feels like a sound investment.
In addition, there’s the health benefits, too, of reducing indoor humidity, particularly for those with asthma or allergies.
Other ways you can make use of your dehumidifier
While you might assume a dehumidifier will end up sitting in a corner gathering dust when you’re not using it to deal with a damp problem, this need not be the case.
Aneesa said: “You can use your appliance to help laundry dry faster. Just set up a clothes rack, place the unit nearby, and close the door.
“The moisture gets whisked away, and your clothes dry faster without turning stiff as a board.”
Another clever use for one of these appliances is speeding up paint drying time.
The property pro said: “A dehumidifier can make the process quicker and easier. Pulling moisture from and helping the paint cure more evenly.”
You can even use your unit to help protect items in storage.
Aneesa said: “Excess moisture in storage spaces often leads to mould, mildew, and that dreaded musty smell. Run your dehumidifier in storage areas to keep the air dry and your belongings fresh.”
She added: “With a range of additional uses, this appliance can quietly earn its keep in your home.”