I live in a static caravan & have a top tier trick to avoid condensation & mould in the winter – it only costs £1.30
THE cold weather brings with it pesky condensation, which can be tricky to remove without the right tools.
Not only that, but condensation and mould can cause serious health issue if it’s not dealt with sooner rather than later.
Condensation occurs when warm air hits a cooler surface and creates moisture, which is why your windows fog up when the temperature outside drops.
Left alone, it can create mould and mildew which is both a pain to get rid of and can cause havoc with your health including worsening asthma, eczema and allergies.
Luckily, there’s a cheap and cheerful trick you can use to keep both mould and condensation at bay without breaking the bank.
Although there are loads of nifty products out there that claim to stop the problem, few work out as cheap as the ANSIO Dehumidifier.
Available to buy from Amazon, the dehumidifier helps combat condensation and mould by drawing out moisture from the air.
The product description online explains how the compact tubs can be used wherever there is condensation, including kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, basements, caravans, boats, and garages.
They’re especially useful to use next to windows though – simply place one of the disposable tubs close to the window and your condensation problem should be no more.
The best part is you can buy a pack of 10 for just £12.98 online, which works out at just £1.30 per tub – an offer too good to miss.
Shoppers have been raving about the product too, with many awarding it a perfect five star rating online.
One happy customer said: “Great for moisture removal. Use them in static caravan all year round to avoid mould. They’re not over priced and do a good job.”
And another confessed they keep one in “every room in the house” and they’re always “amazed by how much water they collect.”
“While it may not be a permanent fix, it certainly helps keep dampness at bay.
“Overall, it’s a practical option for anyone dealing with excess moisture,” another wrote.
More tricks to keep condensation and mould at bay
The Sun previously spoke to Nicholas Donnithorne, UK technical services manager at damp proof company Peter Cox, Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch and Natalie Hitchins, home products and services editor from Which?, who revealed their top tips for keeping them both in check.
Dry clothes outside
Hanging your pants and socks up inside can create condensation as the moisture from them escapes into the air.
Instead, hang your clothes up outside, even if there’s a slight chance of rain, Nicholas said.
He added: “Alternatively, dry clothes using a tumble dryer or in a closed room with the window open.”
Keep your home well-ventilated
The weather might be getting hotter, but you’ll likely still be having a warm shower from time to time.
To avoid steam clinging to your bathroom walls, make sure you open any windows and turn on any extractor fans, Nicholas said.
Keep the bathroom door closed after you’ve showered as well, to stop any excess steam escaping into the rest of the house.
And, Nicholas added: “Use the trickle vents on windows or keep a quarter light open for background ventilation.”
Trickle vents are small vents that can be added to the tops of windows and allow a constant stream of air in and out.
Use household items
If it’s too late, and any condensation has had a chance to flourish and turn into mould, you can start removing it for nothing.
Natalie, from Which?, said: “A few drops of washing up liquid mixed with warm water can work on smaller areas of mould on hard surfaces like walls or floors.
“Use a sponge, cloth, or brush to work the soapy solution in small circular motions over the mould.
“If you’re trying to remove particularly stubborn mould, try a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and warm water and pour it into a spray bottle to target the affected area.”
If you’ve got a bit more in your budget, you can try buying mould or mildew remover from your nearest supermarket or retailer.
You can get it as cheap as £1.20 from B&M or £2.50 from Dunelm, at the time of writing.
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.”