THIS winter, there are countless Brits grappling with the persistent issue of dampness in their homes.
It’s a problem that worsens as the cold, wet weather sets in, and can be a costly nightmare for those suffering with it.
According to Homebrite Windows 3.8% of homes in England have some form of damp problem, equating to approximately 912,000 households.
From dehumidifiers, to getting experts in to have a quick look, having damp in your home doesn’t come cheap.
But it is something that must be addressed as it can cause health concerns as well as damages to your property.
However, one homeowner has managed to discover just the trick to help fix the issue.
She believes it will help to save homeowners from forking out on expensive devices and treatments.
Fenrah, who goes by the name of ‘fenrahalesari’ on TikTok, has revealed a takeaway box trick that’ll help a damp home over the winter.
Taking to her social media page to share a video to help others, she said: “Here’s a tip for anyone who’s got a damp house or is renovating their home.
“Dehumidifiers are normally the first thing on your list, but instead you can just use salt and cat litter.
“Salt in a takeaway box, put your cat litter into old socks or tights, preferably not with holes in, and spread around your damp defying monstrosities.”
Cat litter can help with dampness because it’s made to absorb liquids – especially clumping varieties that are super absorbent.
It can pull moisture from the air and work like a mini dehumidifier in small spaces.
It handles dampness the same way it soaks up cat urine, just with the moisture in the air instead.
Fenrah’s video received over 17,000 likes, with many people rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts.
One wrote: “Cat litter really works. We do this with our caravan over winter and also put a sock full in the car to stop the morning damp on the windows.”
Another asked: “Does it help with condensation on windows.”
To which Fenrah replied: “Yes, it should do. “People have commented saying they use it for their caravans and cars.”
We previously revealed other simple tips to prevent mould at home.
The tips include opening windows for ventilation, using extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, keeping indoor humidity low with a dehumidifier, drying clothes outside when possible, and fixing leaks or damp spots promptly to stop mould from forming.
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.”
