Here's five tips that will cut condensation and mould from your house

Virgin Radio

29 Jan 2023, 09:23

A couple of them are free too!

Winter isn’t quite over yet, and as temperatures dip to an icy -8°C, you may well be thinking, "why is my living room so damp?"

Alarmingly, new research claims that almost half a million UK homes have condensation and mould problems.

Thankfully, DIY experts Cut Plastic Sheeting are here to share their advice on how you can keep mould and condensation at bay!

Open the curtains and blinds when you get up

Do it as soon as you get up. It's nice out there. Also, condensation is much more likely to crop up where moisture is trapped between your blinds or curtains and windows, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

Reorganise your furniture

Here's a little science lesson for you. If you keep your furniture in the same place without mixing it up from time to time - especially if it’s near a cold surface - there’s nowhere for air to go. 

The lack of ventilation can lead to a build-up of condensation.

Put some rock salt by the window 

Rock salt is good for loads of things. You can use it as a food additive in the form of baking soda, and it's particularly useful in food preservation methods such as pickling, brine making, and canning.

But did you know that rock salt also draws in damp thanks to its absorbent properties? 

Pop some in a small bowl by the window, or use baking soda as a substitute. As the baking soda absorbs moisture, you’ll see it go hard. And your house will be much less damp!

Why not make your own dehumidifier?

They didn't teach you this on Blue Peter, but don't worry, it's not as hard as you might think.

Just fill a spare jar with silica gel (there's those sachets you find in new handbags and what's not) and then cover the jar with a lid.

Don’t forget to pierce the lid a few times with a screwdriver or a fork, and leave the jar by a window. 

Replace the gel once a fortnight, or use charcoal instead of gel. 

Fill some socks with cat litter

You heard! Cat litter is made to soak up cat p***, and it’ll do the same with condensation.

If you don't have a cat? Sorry, we can't help with that. Don't steal one. Ask first.