Six 'brilliant' bargains that cost less than £8 to tackle mold in seconds
MANY households are plagued by black mold in winter, heralded by cold weather and condensation around the house.
The unsightly growth is most likely to be found in bathrooms and kitchens due to trapped moisture from the shower and bath or during cooking.
But it can end up in almost any part of your path with poor ventilation.
Mold is not only an eyesore, but it can also cause health problems such as respiratory problems, allergies and asthma.
Tackling the problem can feel like an endless task.
However, inexpensive hacks and purchases can make mold management much easier and won't break the bank.
Try one of these affordable solutions.
Astonish mold and mildew blaster – £1.25 Poundland
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Many cleaning gurus swear by Astonish mold and mildew blaster. It costs just £1.25 online at Poundland.co.uk or you can try and get your hands on it in store at B&M.
The product is strong and effective against mold – simply spray on and let sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean.
It's great on bathroom tiles, but it's not suitable for all surfaces so check suitability before use.
The solution has gained cult status among cleaning and bargain groups on social media.
A fan of the product wrote on Facebook's Extreme Couponing and Bargains group: “I love the Astonish brand. I've been using them for ages.
“Great products that clean everywhere without having to scrub.”
Another cleaning group user said, “I love this product. ! I am a household cleaner and use it on all bathroom tiles and shower tiles. I have very satisfied customers.”
Unibond moisture absorber – £8 Tesco
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Damp and cold conditions give fungi the perfect conditions to grow. Removing excess moisture from the air can help control mold growth.
Electric dehumidifiers do an excellent job, but come with a high price tag.
However, the Unibond Moisture Absorber will not work without power, although you will need to purchase replacement “doughnuts”.
You can simply place it near the area where you are having problems and it will start collecting water.
It's currently on offer to Clubcard customers at Tesco at a special price of £8, up from the usual £16. The offer runs until February 28.
The next cheapest we could find was at Screwfix for £9.79.
You can now pick up replacements for £5 for two at Aldi.
Silica gel sachets – £6.49 from Amazon
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Small silica gel packets are often found in boxes when purchasing a pair of shoes as they absorb moisture which can damage the product.
You can also buy larger packs from Amazon, which do the same job of removing moisture.
For example, if you have mold problems near a wardrobe or in a closet, it may be worth placing a few of these bags around the room.
You can buy numerous packs and sizes from Amazon, it's worth reading a few reviews before you spend any money.
Vinegar spray – £1.15 Asda
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Vinegar can kill mold spores and help keep your home free of the growth.
If you have white vinegar in your cupboard and a spare spray bottle, you can mix up a solution yourself.
Otherwise, you can buy a ready-made version. The cheapest we could find was StarDrops, £1.15, at Asda.
Double check which surfaces you should use the spray on. Vinegar can work well on walls, but is not suitable for all tiles. After spraying, let it sit for an hour before scrubbing off.
It may cause an odor, but it should go away after a few hours.
Peace Lily – £7.50 B&Q
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Certain plants, including Peace Lily, Spider Plants, Snake Plants and Ivy, can help combat mold in your home – and as an added bonus, they look fantastic.
These plants often thrive in humid environments so are ideal for keeping in the bathroom and help naturally remove mold and toxic pollutants from the air.
We found this Peace Lily for €7.50 at B&Q and the store also sells spider plants for the same price.
Tea tree oil – £1.99, The Range
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Like vinegar, tea tree oil has properties that help kill mold spores – and the scent is a little more appealing, too.
And if you're a little apprehensive about using harsh chemicals in your home, this is a great alternative solution for cleaning up the mold.
If you have a spare spray bottle, mix your own solution with about a teaspoon of oil in a cup of water.
We found a bottle of tea tree oil for £1.99 at The Range.
We also looked at the important mold mistakes to avoid.
And tested all best-selling mold sprays.