MOULD AWAY
I know the key to getting rid of condensation with £6 trick – it’s an overlooked method and can save hundreds of pounds
Plus a pet essential you already have can tackle the issue too
MANY homes are struggling with mould, not least due to the wettest February on record.
The scourge isn't just unsightly and difficult to shift without careful treatment, it is also harmful to your health.
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If not dealt with, the black fuzz can cause a range of different conditions, including respiratory problems and headaches.
Mould issues can often start with condensation.
This is caused when warm air comes into contact with a cold surface.
If condensation and damp are left untreated, you could find yourself with mould growing on your walls and ceilings.
Read more on mould
While serious cases might require you to seek advice from a professional – which could be costly – there are some simple steps you can take yourself to keep the toxic fuzz at bay, according to Andy Simms, a building expert from MyBuilder.com.
He told The Sun: “First off, it’s imperative to work out the underlying cause of any mould in your home.
"But if condensation is your main problem, there are some cheap and clever hacks that can help.
"One low-cost method involves using mega chalk and clove oil.”
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If you have children, you may be familiar with them using chalk for arts and crafts activities.
My kitchen was riddled with disgusting mould - here are the products I used to remove it, including a £1.50 buy
What you might not realise is that it’s also a very absorbent material.
Clove oil, meanwhile, has anti-fungal properties which can kill spores, and effectively prevent the growth of mould.
Andy said: “The chalk will remove condensation and the clove oil prevents it from returning. Both items are relatively inexpensive.”
You can, for example, pick up a 20-pack of giant chalk from Amazon for £3.25, and a 10-ml bottle of clove oil from Boots for £2.99.
All you need to do is dab a few drops of the oil onto your chalk.
“Once you’ve done this, simply place the chalk in any affected areas,” said the DIY whizz. “This can help keep the area dry. This is an often-overlooked method which can be really effective.”
You might, for example, want to put the chalk in the corner of your bedroom, or in your drawers or wardrobe.
The key is to place a stick or two around the house wherever you need moisture to be absorbed such as windowsills.
You can then return to those pieces of chalk every month or so, and add a few more drops of clove oil.
Andy added: “If you spot small areas of mould, clove oil is a great product you can use to clean these up before the fungus spreads too far.”
Mould can be especially problematic between October and April due to the wet, humid and damp conditions during the winter months.
The issue is also exacerbated at this time of year by a lack of sufficient ventilation, as people are less likely to open their windows when it’s chilly outside.
But if you do end up needing to call in the professionals, you could expect to pay an average of around £200 to have mould removed from your home.
If you have a particularly bad case across your entire property, you could find yourself facing a bill of between £800 and £1,000.
With this in mind, it pays to take all the steps you can to try and get rid of condensation.
Andy added: “Mould is a real plague on British homes due to the inclement weather, and it can be notoriously difficult to eradicate once it’s taken hold.
"So, while you investigate where the problem originates from, there are a number of things you can do to help you keep it at bay.”
More ways to tackle mould and damp
Using chalk and clove oil is not the only unusual tip that Andy recommends.
He said: “Another unorthodox technique to remove moisture from your bedroom involves you filling old socks with cat litter and placing them near the affected area.
"This may sound unpleasant, but it really does work.”
At Asda, you can buy a 10-litre bag of this pet essential for £7.50.
Andy added: “If you do decide to try this trick, you need to remember to replace the litter on a monthly basis.”
In addition to chalk and cat litter, salt and baking soda are also cheap and effective ways to reduce the moisture caused by condensation, according to the DIY aficionado.
“Try placing these in small ramekins or bowls near areas affected by condensation,” he added.
While these unusual-sounding hacks can all help you manage condensation in your home, there’s also some basic rules you need to follow.
“The most effective solution is to improve airflow by simply opening your windows as much as possible,” said the building supremo.
“If it’s safe to do so, consider sleeping with the window open, as this will limit the amount of condensation in your bedroom.”
If this isn’t possible, get into the habit of opening your curtains – and the windows – as soon as you wake up in the morning.
“Remove any condensation with an old towel,” said Andy. “Make this part of your morning routine.”
Having windows open is also essential while showering.
How to fight mould in your home
- Firstly, keep humidity levels in your home as low as possible
- You can buy an air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep the level low - or, use metre to check humidity levels
- It is also important to check that the air in your home is free flowing - you can use exhaust fans that vent outside your house
- Be sure to fix any leaks in your house, so that mould doesn't have access to the moisture it needs to grow
- Clean your bathroom with products that target mould
- Don't put a carpet somewhere that might have a lot of moisture, like your bathroom
- You can also add mould inhibitors to your walls if you paint them
“If possible, avoid taking long hot showers,” said Andy.
“A shorter, colder shower will reduce the amount of condensation in your home. Whatever you do, ensure the bathroom is ventilated with an open window, or by switching on the extractor fan.”
The same applies if you have a fan in your kitchen: remember to switch this on before you start cooking.
Drying clothes inside is another big no-no, according to Andy.
“This will add moisture to your home,” he said. “So if you are able to do so, try pegging clothes outside.
If there is a breeze, your washing will dry at least partly – and possibly, fully – even in lower temperatures.”
While it will involve a bigger outlay, Andy suggests investing in a dehumidifier.
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“Having one of these units in your bedroom is a sure-fire way to keep condensation at bay,” he said.
“You can often pick one up second-hand. You can also control costs by using the dehumidifier intermittently.”
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