The £1 buy home experts are urging people to buy NOW to prevent mould and condensation
THE cold weather has arrived and is set to stay and that’s never good news for homes.
Not only does it mean we need to keep the house warm, but it also means mould and condensation can pop up all over the home.
While condensation may not seem harmful – it can soon turn dangerous once it forms into mould.
And while removing mould can feel like a never-ending task and while you may not want to deal with it, it shouldn’t be ignored.
The NHS states if you have damp and mould in your home you’re more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma.
Damp and mould can also affect the immune system.
Mould grows by producing tiny particles called spores – these are airborne and can spread quickly in your home.
With that said, house experts at Posh have urged people to put a £1 buy near your windows to prevent it from happening.
They recommend placing a bowl of salt close to the window to reduce condensation which will help keep your home drier and less prone to mould.
Condensation forms when warm, moist air comes in contact with a cold surface, such as a window, which can lead to water droplets.
Salt, however, can stop this process because it is a natural desiccant and can draw moisture from the air.
This means it diminishing condensation and dampness and locks excess water into the salt.
With less moisture in the air, there’s a lower chance of condensation when it meets the cold window glass.
Posh.co.uk’s home and garden specialist, Andy Ellis, warns: “A constant build up of condensation in the home isn’t great and in some cases, it can cause mould growth which can be dangerous for your family.”
Andy added: “Salt has the ability to naturally absorb moisture from the air and essentially dries it out so that when it does come in contact with the glass, there are less droplets of condensation that will form.”
He elaborated: “It’s a really easy trick that requires no effort at all. Simply fill a shallow bowl or a small jar with some salt – this can be table salt or rock salt.”
Cheap condensation hacks
1. Use Salt or Cat Litter
– Place bowls of salt or silica-based cat litter in areas prone to dampness. These materials are excellent at absorbing moisture from the air.
2. DIY Dehumidifier
– Create a simple dehumidifier using a plastic container with a lid. Punch holes in the lid, fill the container with silica gel or activated charcoal, and place it in humid areas.
3. Ventilate When Cooking and Showering
– Open windows or use extractor fans when cooking or showering to let moisture escape. Even a small gap can make a significant difference.
4. Wipe Down Windows
– Regularly wipe down windows and other cold surfaces with a dry cloth to remove condensation. This prevents moisture from accumulating and causing mould.
5. Use Houseplants
– Certain houseplants, like peace lilies and spider plants, can help absorb moisture from the air. They also improve indoor air quality.
6. Keep Lids on Pots
– When cooking, keep lids on pots and pans to reduce the amount of steam released into the air.
7. Dry Clothes Outside
– Whenever possible, dry clothes outside or in a well-ventilated area instead of using indoor drying racks.
8. Open Curtains and Blinds
– During the day, open curtains and blinds to allow sunlight to warm up windows and reduce condensation. Sunlight also helps to reduce mould growth.
9. Use Towels Wisely
– Keep towels and other fabrics away from walls and windows to prevent them from absorbing moisture and becoming damp.
10. Seal Cracks and Gaps
– Use inexpensive weatherstripping or caulk to seal any cracks or gaps around windows and doors. This helps to keep cold air out and warm air in, reducing condensation.
“The amount you use will vary depending on the size of the window you’re placing it next to.
“Of course, generally speaking, the larger the window the more salt you’ll need, though usually one small bowl should be fine.”
You can buy salt for as little as 70p from Tesco to place around the home.
You’ll know when to replace it as the salt will start to look damp once it’s collected all the moisture it can.