Banish condensation and mould in the home this winter: 7 things you need to know – The Mirror
Condensation can be a problem in homes at this time of year, and if left untreated, it can cause mould growth. But just a few handy tips could help you keep them both at bay
Mould and condensation are common problems in winter (stock photo)(Image: Olena Vasylieva via Getty Images)
What you need to know about keeping condensation at bay and eliminating mould from your home this winter
The first thing to do when dealing with condensation is to get rid of it before it causes mould to grow. There are many ways to do this, but one of the most effective ways is to wipe your windows with washing up liquid. This creates a barrier that repels water, so condensation doesn’t form.
If you find your condensation problem is worse in your kitchen, you can also employ a cheap and effective trick to reduce the steam created when cooking or washing up. To combat this, run the cold tap before the hot one. Doing cold water first can stop the burst of steam created when hot water hits a cold pan by up to 90 per cent.
Waking up and finding your windows covered in a layer of water can be a frustrating feeling, but if it’s something you deal with regularly, you can also try investing in a window vacuum. These handheld devices suck up water and can get rid of large amounts of condensation in just a few seconds.
Getting rid of condensation can also be as simple as opening your windows. As much as it might feel wrong to open your windows in the winter, letting fresh air in can help lower humidity and flush out moisture, which is what condensation creates and what mould thrives on.
If you already have mould in your home, there are also several things you can do to get rid of it quickly. Using bleach to kill the fungus is a commonly recommended hack, and you can use three per cent hydrogen peroxide to banish mould “for good”. Simply spray it on the affected area and leave it to sit for 10 minutes before wiping away.
For a cheaper and more natural alternative, white vinegar can do the trick. It’s recommended that you add white vinegar to a spray bottle and apply it directly to the mould. Leave it to sit for around an hour, and then wipe it clean. For tougher spots of mould, you may need to scrub with an old toothbrush or scourer.
READ THE FULL STORY: Four types of mould to look out for in your home and how to treat each one.
