The 11p supermarket hack that will get rid of damp and condensation in your home for good – it works in your car too
WITH severe weather warnings across the UK, many homeowners are dealing with persistent issues of damp and condensation.
Damp can be a serious health concern, especially amongst vulnerable individuals such as young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.
This is because it can lead to the growth of mould, which can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, as well as increase the risk of fungal infections.
But according to Eric Bramlett, owner of Bramlett Real Estate , there’s a surprising, budget-friendly solution – cat litter.
And you can pick up 10L bags for as little as £2.19 in supermarkets including Aldi, Asda, Morrisons and Tesco.
This bag will be enough for 20 cups for the hack – meaning it costs just 11p per use.
Eric says: “Cat litter is an affordable, practical solution to keep in your home throughout winter.
“Its gritty texture adds grip to slippery surfaces, and it also does a great job at absorbing excess moisture, so you can use it to create your own mini dehumidifier.”
Here, Eric reveals the four cat litter hacks that you can use to combat damp and condensation around your home this winter:
First up, he suggests filling a sock with cat litter, tying the end and placing it on your window sill to “help prevent water droplets forming”.
He says you can use the same method to stop your car windscreen from fogging up by placing a filled sock on your dashboard.
“This is also a great way to absorb excess moisture in bathroom cupboards”, he adds.
And if you sprinkle your driveway with cat litter it will de-ice the path, improve traction, and prevent slips.
Eric concludes: “Keeping a bag of cat litter on hand is a smart, cost-effective way to tackle icy, damp conditions this winter — no feline required.”
It’s not the only homemade dehumidifier you could make with something you likely have in your home already.
Dehumidifiers pull moisture out of the air, ensuring that their isn’t enough for it to settle on window panes.
However, they can be quite expensive, so Helen Godsiff, brand manager at home improvement specialists, Eurocell has shared how you can make one yourself for just £2.
The expert revealed: “If you don’t have a dehumidifier, there’s a cheap supermarket hack that anyone can use to stop condensation, and all you’ll need is a bag of salt and a bowl.
“Salt can draw moisture from the air, preventing it from ever having the chance to settle on your windows.
“Simply buy a bag of salt from any supermarket, usually for less than £2, and place it in a bowl on your windowsill.
“You’ll need to give it a quick shake in the morning to prevent the moisture from sticking the salt together, but this is a great way to reduce condensation on a budget.”
Safety warnings if using cat litter
Scroll down for a full list of safety warnings if using cat litter as a condensation hack.
- Keep it out of reach: Keep cat litter out of reach of children and other pets.
- Avoid inhaling dust: Many clay-based cat litters contain crystalline silica, which can create dust that is harmful to inhale. Use cat litter in a well-ventilated area.
- Wash hands: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling cat litter.
- Seek medical attention: If cat litter is ingested, seek medical attention immediately.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Store cat litter in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat.
- Don’t flush: Never flush cat litter into the toilet. The mineral in cat litter can form large clumps that block wastewater lines.
- Dispose of properly: Dispose of used litter, feces, and excrement as described on the packaging. Many municipalities offer specific bins for large-scale composting or organic disposal.
- Avoid changing litter if pregnant: Pregnant women should avoid changing cat litter if possible. If you must change the litter, wear a mask and rubber gloves, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
- Be careful with self-cleaning litter boxes: Some self-cleaning litter boxes have been known to kill cats