My top buys for as little as 30p to keep mould and damp at bay this winter as a cleaning expert
AN EXPERT has revealed the six household products you can buy for at little as 30p to keep mould and damp at bay this winter.
Mould and damp are not just unsightly, they can also cause health problems so it’s important to take action if you spot it in your home.
Jane Wilson, cleaning expert and manager at Fantastic Cleaners, has shared six super-cheap products that can help banish mould from every area of your property.
Mould typically shows up in damp or dark areas such as bathroom and wardrobe corners, ceilings corners, along window sills and on stagnant fabrics as small black and brown dots.
If you catch it quickly, it can be cleaned off and, when you’ve removed it, you can take action to prevent it from returning.
Here are some of Jane’s top buys
White vinegar
White vinegar is a “powerful, natural mould killer”, according to Jane.
And, best of all, it’s readily available from supermarkets and corner stores for just a few pennies.
Both Sainsbury’s and Tesco sell 568ml bottles of white vinegar for just 35p.
Jane recommends pouring undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and applying it directly to the mouldy area.
She said that once applied, the vinegar should be left for at least an hour before being scrubbed off with a brush.
After removing the vinegar, wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
Jane explained that “the acidic nature of vinegar breaks down the mould and prevents its return.”
Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
Baking soda is a household staple that’s effective for removing mould.
Jane explains that it is a particularly good choice for using on delicate surfaces.
The cleaning expert explained that as well as being a great cleaner baking soda has antifungal properties to prevent mould from returning.
And, it wont break the bank. Both Sainsbury’s and Morrisons sell bicarbonate of soda for just 59p.
The expert cleaner advised mixing a quarter of a teaspoon of baking soda with water in a spray bottle before shaking well.
Then spray the solution on to the mouldy surface, scrub with a brush and rinse with with water.
After you’ve cleared away the mould Jane advised spraying the area again and letting it dry to prevent future mould growth.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a natural and highly effective way to remove mould.
A 20ml bottle will set you back £9 from Boots, making it a little pricier, but it will leave a far nicer scent than a cheaper fix.
Jane recommended mixing one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water in a spray bottle.
Simply spray the solution onto the mould and let it sit without rinsing.
Jane explained that tea tree oil is a natural fungicide making it particularly effective at killing mould spores and preventing their spread.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice has naturally acidic and antibacterial properties that make it great for dealing with mould problems.
Lemons are a particularly cheap way of removing mould.
Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda are all selling lemons for 30p each.
Jane recommended squeezing the juice from several lemons and applying it directly to the mouldy area.
Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth, or scrub with a brush on tougher areas.
Jane said the added benefit of using lemon juice is the fresh scent it leaves behind.
Cinnamon oil
Cinnamon oil has antifungal properties that can help prevent mould growth.
Amazon has multiple listings for cinnamon oil, which contains cinnamaldehyde to help inhibit mould growth, for around £5.
Jane said it was particularly useful for treating small areas of mould and preventing it from spreading.
She added: “Unlike some stronger-smelling mould cleaners, cinnamon leaves a warm, pleasant aroma, making it a good choice for use in living areas.”
Jane advised mixing a few drops of cinnamon oil with water in a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture directly onto a mouldy area and let it sit for about an hour before wiping the area clean with a damp cloth.
For persistent mould Jane advised reapplying the solution or combining it with other natural cleaners, such as vinegar, for a stronger effect.
She also recommended sprinkling cinnamon powder on mould-prone areas like windowsills or bathrooms to help prevent mould from returning.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a potent antifungal and antibacterial solution, that’s available online and from some chemists.
Amazon has listings from £3 for 30ml.
Hydrogen peroxide is particularly effective against mould on porous surfaces like wood, drywall, and fabrics, and is safe to use around the home.
Jane advised pouring 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and using it to saturate mouldy areas.
Let it sit for 10 minutes then scrub the surface to remove all mould and stains before wiping the area clean with a damp cloth.
What causes mould?
Mould flourishes where there is condensation, which occurs when warm air hits a cooler surface and creates moisture.
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.
Jane explained that the best way to prevent mould was to keep your home dry and well-ventilated.
She recommended regularly checking areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
Using a dehumidifier in damp areas can also help reduce the risk of mould growth.
Why should you deal with mould?
Mould is not just unsightly, it can have serious health consequences.
In 2020, youngster Awaab Ishak tragically passed away after living in a one-bedroom housing association flat in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, that was riddled with mould.
If you find any signs of mould or spreading damp, it’s vital to act quickly.
Government guidance states: “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 your health, mould can cause damage to your home, and leaving it for longer will only end up costing you more to fix it later.
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.
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