Winter is well on its way and with it, invariably, comes the damp. And as we all know, damp almost always results in mould. Soon will be prime time for mould to grow in UK homes, particularly in unventilated spaces. This is due to condensation build-up and windows being kept shut to retain heat indoors during the cold weather.
Fortunately, a home safety expert has revealed a £2 solution that can prevent mould from even starting to grow, much less take over whole areas of the house. Neil Mckenzie, speaking on behalf of family-run business Halton Stairlifts, revealed what to do.
Mckenzie shared: “Mould isn’t only disgusting to look at in your home, it’s also really bad for your health, causing respiratory issues amongst other problems. And in the winter, we begin to notice its presence more and more as people aren’t able to ventilate their homes well due to the poor weather.”
He added: “However, this doesn’t mean you should allow mould to grow before you take out a spray to try and get rid of it. You can actually prevent growth completely by completing a two-minute task weekly.”
The specialist advised: “To prevent mould spores from taking hold, all you need to do is purchase some tea tree oil, available at most high street retailers for as little as £2. Mix 250ml of water and up to five drops of the oil into a spray bottle and mist this onto any areas that are prone to developing mould.”
Mckenzie added: “Focus on spaces like bathroom corners, or window frames, as these are the most common areas for mould to grow. By doing this once a week, you should be able to stop mould growth and create a safe environment for your family.”
If you’re one of those people that doesn’t believe in homemade remedies to combat worrying problems like mould growth, fret not, because we’ve got another product that claims to work like “magic” – and our own journalists have given it a whirl.
The Express’ Steffan Rhys and Millie Bull trialled Mould Magic, a transparent gel suitable for use on silicone, grout, walls, windows and even furniture to eliminate mould. Simply apply the gel directly from the tube, allow it to work for two to three hours before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
Both journalists were utterly impressed with the mould-banishing quick fix and recommend others battling with a mould problem to give it a go for themselves.
For those hoping to go the natural route, one houseplant in particular is being recommended by experts as an efficient way to combat mould this winter. Specialists at The Residence Collection have described peace lilies as “natural dehumidifiers” that absorb moisture through their leaves.
This can make a significant difference in damp spaces, especially during winter months when people are less likely to keep windows open. The experts shared: “Peace lilies absorb moisture from the air through their leaves, helping to balance out the humidity levels in your home. This makes it tougher for mould to grow. Plus, they’re great at purifying the air, removing toxins, and keeping your indoor environment fresh.”
They added that windows are the perfect spaces for these types of plants. Filtered light from bathroom or kitchen windows offers the optimal environment for peace lilies, allowing them to flourish without the risk of excessive sun exposure.
And peace lilies aren’t the only plants that have similar benefits. Houseplants like Boston ferns, spider plants, and English ivy also prevent moisture buildup and trap mould spores before they get a chance to spread throughout the house.
