Lidl is selling a handy £4.99 mould-fighting buy – it costs nothing to run and you don’t need to lift a finger
BUDGET retailer Lidl is selling a bargain buy to help tackle mould, which costs next to nothing to run.
Mould is not just unsightly, it can cause serious health problems and tends to thrive during the colder months.
There are two versions of Lidl's Wenko item.
It comes as a car dehumidifier and a two-in-one doorstop and dehumidifier.
The car dehumidifier features a colour indicator, which shows the level of water saturation.
Both items help protect against damp, mould, mildew stains and musty smells in all vehicles, by dehumidifying the air and stopping dampness and condensation building up.
READ MORE ON LIDL
Both are available to buy for just £4.99, and you can find your nearest Lidl store by visiting www.lidl.co.uk/c/store-finder/s10023098.
Mould shows itself on areas such as walls, ceilings windows sills and fabrics as small black dots, as well as inside your driving car.
Untreated it can spread, ruining the appearance of your home and causing serious health difficulties, particularly with breathing.
But, dealing with mould need not break the bank.
Most read in Money
If you catch mould quickly it can be cleaned and, when you've removed it, you can take action to prevent it from returning, such as by increasing ventilation in a room.
Lidl's Wenko car dehumidifier, or a 2-in-1 doorstop and dehumidifier, offers a simple cost-effective preventative measure to keep mould at bay.
It's always worth shopping around to find the best deal.
You can use online price comparison sites like Price Spy and Trolley to see if a product you have found is the cheapest compared with others.
You can also use the Google Shopping/Product tab to do a quick scan of the internet.
Other similar items are available, such as reusable dehumidifier bags to help tackle condensation which can appear on windows around the home in colder months.
What causes mould?
Mould flourishes where there is condensation, which occurs when warm air hits a cooler surface and creates moisture.
Nicholas Donnithorne, UK technical services manager at property preservation specialists Peter Cox, explained that mould spores are present in the air year-round and spread when dampness is present for six hours.
In the home, this dampness is normally caused by condensation, which occurs while showering, drying clothes or cooking.
Mould can grow anywhere in a property and can be identified as black speckled marks or grey growths on window sills, woodwork, painted walls, ceilings, wallpaper or fabric.
Why should you deal with mould?
Mould is not just unsightly, it can have serious health consequences.
If you find mould it's vital to act quickly.
Government guidance read: "Damp and mould primarily affect the airways and lungs, but they can also affect the eyes and skin. The respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death."
As well as the dangers to health mould can damage your home.
Mr Donnithorne said: "Damp problems can lead to side-effects such as unpleasant odours, dark stains on walls and surface
damage to paintwork."
How can you prevent mould building up?
Combatting mould is relatively simple, particularly if you're able to increase ventilation in affected areas.
Mr Donnithorne said: "Fortunately, issues with condensation can be addressed.
"More often than not, just making sure that there’s adequate ventilation in your property will solve the problem."
READ MORE SUN STORIES
He advised:
- Open a window to allow humid air to escape as often as possible
- Close a door when showering or cooking
- Use extractor fans and put lids on pans
- Avoid drying clothes indoors
- Wipe down windows each morning if condensation has formed
- Check washing machines and tumble dryers have been plumbed incorrectly
- Carry out tasks such as painting, decorating, mopping floors and cleaning windows on warmer days
Common Bathroom Habits That Increase Mould
Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the chance of mould growing in homes.
Leaving wet towels and bathmats on floor
Wet towels and bathmats on the floors after a shower or bath can increase humidity levels which provides a perfect breeding ground for mould spores.
To prevent this, hang towels and bathmats in an area where they can dry quickly and to wash them regularly.
Not turning on the fan
An exhaust fan is critical in reducing moisture levels in the bathroom.
When taking a hot shower or bath, steam increases the room's humidity level, creating an ideal setting for mould to flourish on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the risk of mould growth.
Experts suggest running the fan during the shower and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to lower humidity levels.
Ignoring small leaks
Even minor leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, fostering an environment where mould can thrive.
Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mould growth in less visible areas such as inside walls or under flooring.
Fix leaks promptly to prevent mould and potential structural damage.
Keeping shower curtains or doors closed
Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, delaying the drying process and creating a humid environment conducive to mould growth.
Mould can easily develop on shower curtains, doors, and in tile grout if they remain wet for too long.
To avoid this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and allow the area to dry more quickly.
Storing too many products
Shower caddies and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow and trap moisture and creates hidden, moist niches where mould can grow unnoticed.
Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum, and regularly clean and dry the areas underneath them to prevent mould growing.