CONDENSATION and mould can cause serious health issues but there are ways of keeping them both at bay.
The pesky vapour occurs when warm air hits a cooler surface and creates moisture.
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 are several ways you can tackle condensation to save yourself issues further down the line, and you don’t need to invest in a dehumidifier.
While they’re handy at removing moisture from the air and preventing mould, but they can cost up to £150.
Luckily, there are cheaper ways of keeping your home mould-free, and they can cost as little as 2p.
It may sound not sound like something you want around your house, but cat litter can be used to to remove moisture from the air.
Cat litter is created to absorb liquid, so it makes sense that it’s good DIY dehumidifier, says Stephen Day, heating engineer at iHeat.
“Non-clumping, unscented cat litter is a far more effective desiccant than salt for absorbing moisture as it will not leech moisture or become ‘soggy’ and can help deal with damp odours,” he said.
“The best type of cat litter to use is silica crystal cat litter which can be used for weeks at a time before needing to be replaced.”
You can fill an old sock with cat litter and place it near the affected area.
Many cat litters are fragranced so you won’t have an unpleasant smell around your home.
You can pick up a 10kg bag of Just Essentials cat litter from Asda for £2.19.
This works out at just 2p per 100g.
However, it’s a good idea to keep cat litter out of reach of children so they don’t eat it.
Salt has the power to draw in moisture – and there’s plenty of internet folklore that suggests bowls of it around the house can dry out the air.
Ordinary table salt works, but rock salt can be more effective in large spaces at clearing condensation.
“Salt is a desiccant, meaning it absorbs moisture in the air,” Mr Day explained.
A container of rock salt from Sainsbury’s is currently going for £1.25 online, though prices may vary in store.
However, Mr Day cautioned that salt can only absorb a limited amount of moisture before becoming “saturated and ineffective”, so you will need to use much larger amounts.
“The moisture can leach out from the bowl and leave salt deposits on your surfaces which can cause irreparable damage and be hard to clean,” he said.
Make sure to keep a regular check up on any salt bowls and empty them if they begin soaking up moisture.
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.”
As the weather gets colder, you might warm up by having hotter showers.
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.
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.
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.
Alternatively, dry clothes using a tumble dryer or in a closed room with the window open.
These are probably a lesser known damp remover.
The little sachets that come in shoes and clothes – could end up protecting your walls and window sills.
That’s because they’re designed to prevent moisture from damaging a product – so they’re ideal for keeping dampness at bay around your home.
You can currently get them on Amazon for £4.95 although they do come for free within packaging of certain products – so keep an eye out.
In the review section, one shopper said: “These are perfect for what I wanted them for.
“My cupboard, where I store all our shoes, is very cold and was starting to feel damp in places. I bought these to pop in the shoes.”
Another low-cost method involves using mega chalk and clove oil.
If you have children, you may be familiar with them using chalk for arts and crafts activities.
What you might not realise is that it’s also a very absorbent material.
Clove oil, meanwhile, has anti-fungal properties which can kill spores, and effectively prevent the growth of mould.
The chalk will remove condensation and the clove oil prevents it from returning. Both items are relatively inexpensive
You can, for example, pick up a 12-pack of chalk from Hobbycraft for £2 and a 10-ml bottle of clove oil from Boots for £2.99.
All you need to do is dab a few drops of the oil onto your chalk.
Once this is done this, simply place the chalk in any affected areas to help keep it dry.
You might, for example, want to put the chalk in the corner of your bedroom, or in your drawers or wardrobe.
The key is to place a stick or two around the house wherever you need moisture to be absorbed such as windowsills.
You can then return to those pieces of chalk every month or so, and add a few more drops of clove oil.
If you spot small areas of mould, clove oil is a great product you can use to clean these up before the fungus spreads too far.
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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