BREAK THE MOULD
My 95p shaving foam trick to keep mould at bay – it works every time and anyone can do it
Plus, we reveal other ways to remove damp and mould
COLD weather has set in leaving many people struggling with condensation and mould - but there are ways to tackle it that don't break the bank.
One expert has revealed to The Sun how an everyday item can help you fight back.
1
Grab a can of shaving foam, says Natalie Mitchell, property expert for HomeHow, a site for finding estimated costs for home improvement and renovation jobs.
This costs as little as 95p - or nothing at all if you already have one in your bathroom cabinet
Water appears on windows, tiles and elsewhere around the home when warm air comes into contact with a cold surface. The moisture in the air cools and condenses into liquid droplets.
If you ignore condensation, it can lead to mould and mildew growth – and especially during the winter months. This is because the black fuzz thrives in damp, humid conditions.
Read more from money
A poorly-ventilated bathroom or kitchen can quickly become a breeding ground for mould.
Not only is the toxic fungi unsightly, it can also cause health problems, such as skin rashes, and can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma.
Natalie told The Sun: “When moisture condenses on your windows, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mould spores. This can be difficult to get rid of. But shaving foam can be a great product to help stop it from forming.”
Shaving foam can act as a barrier, preventing moisture from sticking to the glass.
Most read in Money
Natalie said: “This results in reduced condensation which then significantly reduces the risk of mould growth. With this easy hack, you can create a healthier and more comfortable living space.”
How I Removed Window Mould in Minutes with Just £1.50!
You probably already have this bathroom essential at home. If not, you can pick up a can of shaving foam for 95p at Tesco.
Natalie said: “The unique properties in shaving foam can help to create a hydrophobic layer on the glass, repelling water droplets and preventing them from forming on the glass.”
HOW THE HACK WORKS
So what exactly do you need to do?
First off, you need to clean your windows, according to the home improvement supremo.
“Give them a thorough once-over with a glass-cleaner product or, for a cheaper alternative, a mixture of white vinegar and water,” said Natalie.
“Ensure the glass is completely dry before proceeding.”
Next up, you need to apply the foam.
Natalie said: “Apply a thin, even layer of shaving foam to the entire surface. Take not to apply too much as this may lead to streaking.”
Then, use a clean, soft cloth to buff the foam into the glass.
“The foam will create a protective film that repels water,” said the property whizz. “Continue buffing until the glass is clear and streak-free. For optimal results, re-apply every few weeks.”
If you don’t have shaving foam to hand, you can use washing up liquid in a similar way. This household staple will also create a barrier, preventing water from settling on the surface.
At Tesco you can buy washing up liquid for 69p.
COMMON CAUSES OF CONDENSATION
Poor Ventilation
Inadequate ventilation in your home can trap moisture, leading to condensation.
High Humidity Levels
Excessive humidity in your home can also contribute. This can be caused by a wide range of factors, such as cooking, showering, and drying your laundry indoors.
Cold windows
Single-pane windows or poorly insulated windows can be more susceptible to condensation.
If you already have signs of mould, a nifty way to get rid of it is by using white vinegar and water.
Simply mix one part vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. You can then use this on the affected area, wiping it down with a clean cloth soaked in warm water.
On Amazon, you can buy a five-litre bottle of white vinegar for around £6.
Always use gloves when tackling mould to ensure it doesn’t come into contact with your skin. It’s also sensible to cover your mouth and nose with a mask to avoid breathing in spores.
Check out mould-prevention paint, as this can help tackle recurring mould issues within your home.
MORE WAYS TO TACKLE MOULD AND CONDENSATION
Using shaving foam isn’t Natalie’s only tip to help you manage mould in your home.
She said: “You need to ensure your home is well ventilated.”
Make sure you open your doors windows for a few minutes each day – taking care to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10-15 minutes after bathing or showering. This will allow fresh air to circulate.
Natalie said: “The key is to remove moisture-filled air. An extractor fan can also be useful.”
One of these will ventilate a space by getting rid of hot, humid air.
The property whizz added: “Look into installing one in your bathroom and kitchen.”
You can pick up an extractor fan on Amazon for just over £20.
If you’re struggling with mould in one particular area, you may want to think about investing in a dehumidifier. You should be able to find a decent model for well under £100. Read more here.
Natalie said: “One of these units will help to pull excess moisture from the air and reduce humidity levels in a room.”
As a cheaper alternative, you could try placing a bowl of salt or baking powder – or even chalk – on your windowsill to catch moisture, and to help prevent condensation.
More winter laundry tips
Tackling laundry in the winter can be a challenge, but these handy tips can help you stay on top of it:
- Use a Dehumidifier: Place a dehumidifier in your drying area to speed up the drying process and prevent dampness.
- Spin Cycle Boost: Run an extra spin cycle on your washing machine to remove excess water from clothes, reducing drying time.
- Indoor Drying Rack: Invest in a good-quality indoor drying rack and position it near a radiator or in a well-ventilated room.
- Tumble Dryer Balls: Add tumble dryer balls to your dryer to help clothes dry faster and reduce static cling.
- Space-Saving Hangers: Use space-saving hangers or a retractable washing line to maximise indoor drying space.
- Microfibre Towels: Lay microfibre towels over your drying rack to absorb extra moisture from hanging clothes.
- Partially Dry Outside: On dry days, hang clothes outside for a short period before bringing them in to finish drying.
These hacks can help you keep your laundry routine efficient and your clothes fresh, even during the colder months.
Another simple tip to keep mould at bay is to dry laundry outside.
“Drying your clothes indoors can add a lot of moisture to the air,” said Natalie. “Try to do this outdoors if you can, or at the very least, in a well-ventilated area.”
Remember to keep lids on pots and pans when you’re cooking.
“This will prevent excess moisture from escaping,” said Natalie. “Shorter showers can also help.”
In addition, it’s worth taking steps to improve the insulation in your home, as this will help keep your property warm. By reducing the temperature difference between the inside and outside of your home, you can help to prevent condensation.
Check for draughts around doors and windows, and if you find any gaps, use weather-strips or caulk to seal them. This will stop old air from entering and contributing to your condensation problem.
Upgrading to double glazing – or even triple glazing – for your windows can also make a big difference.
But it will come with a big price tag. If finances are tight right now, this might be something you think about as a longer-term project.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
If you are unlucky enough to find yourself with a major mould problem this winter, it may be time to call in the professionals. They can assess the extent of the damage and recommend the appropriate remediation techniques.
The key is to address a mould problem as soon as you can, as if you leave it, the issue will only get worse.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Plus, you can join our Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Topics