Over the last few days, temperatures have dropped significantly.
Freezing doesn’t quite capture the mood, either: some parts of the UK saw the mercury drop to -11°C overnight on Thursday, and snow has swept the country.
To avoid eye-watering energy bills or months spent huddled under blankets, renters and homeowners alike will be looking for innovative and economical ways to keep their homes warm.
But it’s not just the cold we need to keep out during the winter: mould also loves to come out of the woodwork this time of year.
Thankfully, if you can’t afford to shell out for a dehumidifier, there’s a cheap solution to keep that pesky mould at bay. In fact, you probably already have everything you need.
According to DIY expert Glen Peskett, one of the most cost-effective ways to tackle condensation is right there in your kitchen: salt.
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This storecupboard staple may only cost 65p (if you shop at Aldi anyway) but it acts as a ‘natural dehumidifier’ due to how it ‘pulls moisture out of the air.’
‘Leaving a small bowl on windowsills, especially overnight, can noticeably cut down condensation and stop mould before it starts,’ Glen says.
He also recommends placing behind curtains, or inside wardrobes or cupboards – pretty much any enclosed spots that are particularly prone to damp.
The reason salt is so effective is because it’s naturally hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from there, reducing light condensation in its immediate vicinity.
That said, it won’t cull all of your mould-related issues, especially during an aggressively chilly winter.
‘Persistent mould is almost always a symptom of excess moisture combined with poor ventilation, so unless you tackle airflow and humidity at the source, salt alone won’t solve the problem,’ Verona Frankish, CEO of estate agent Yopa tells Metro.
To make a long-term impact, it’s much better to improve airflow in the home, use extractor fans, or invest in a proper dehumidifier, if your budget allows.
Verona adds: ‘Salt can be a cheap supporting hack, but it’s not a replacement for long-term moisture control, particularly in older or poorly insulated properties.’
More tips to avoid mould
As Phil Spencer, property expert and founder of the property advice website Move iQ, previously told Metro, mould isn’t just an ‘unsightly’ issue – it can actually jeopardise a house sale if you’re not careful.
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When mould gets to the point it causes damage, this can also be pretty costly, with a 2024 study from Checkatrade putting the bill for removing mould from an entire house at as much as £1,200.
If left untreated, severe mould damage can then devalue a property by up to 50%, so it’s important to tackle it.
To avoid it taking over your home, Phil’s top tip is: ventilation, ventilation, ventilation. And this is even more important when it’s cold outside, as he notes the lower temperatures can ‘cause humid air to form condensation on windows and other cold surfaces.’
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The likes of salt or disposable dehumidifiers can fill the gap until you’re able to sort one of the more permanent solutions mentioned above. In the meantime, sticking to these rules should also keep damp to a minimum so it doesn’t become something worse:
- If you’re showering or cooking and creating moisture in the room, keep the door closed to avoid it spreading further through the house.
- Use moisture resistant or anti-mould paint for areas that see high levels of moisture, such as the bathroom.
- Open a window before you turn on the hot water for a shower or bath, and turn on your extractor fan – and leave it on – for 20 minutes after you get out.
- Make sure you clean and maintain extractor fans so they aren’t blocked.
- Dry condensation-covered surfaces with a towel or cloth each day or whenever moisture builds up.
- Keep your house warm and turn on the heating periodically.
- If you need to dry clothes indoors, try to open a window or use a dehumidifier. A heated, covered clothes airer may also be worth investing in – not only is it quicker, it could save you money in the long-run by preventing damp.
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