My 35p trick reduces the risk of mold and keeps bathroom tiles sparkling
MOLD is often found in bathrooms where damp conditions allow mold to thrive.
Mold spores can appear on the ceilings and walls as black, white or green spots.
The problem can increase in winter, with dark and damp homes providing the ideal environment for mould.
If your grout cracks, water can seep in and cause damage, leading to mold and damp, and replacing it can be expensive.
According to Checkatrade, the average cost of realigning a bathroom is around $380, while tiling both the floor and walls can mean a bill of more than $700.
The good news is that there are simple and cost-effective ways to keep your bathroom in top condition, mold-free and avoid a big bill.
We spoke to Edward Jonkler from Checkatrade member Remora Cleaning, for his top budget-friendly tips on the best ways to reduce the risk of mold and keep your tiles sparkling.
white vinegar
One of the best products to help prevent and remove mold is white vinegar, Edward said.
This is because it is natural, unlike specially made mold removal chemicals that contain bleach.
While these sprays are effective at removing mold, they can also accelerate its growth, Edward told The Sun.
This is because bleach is 90% water and mold thrives on moisture.
Edward said: “To combat mold in your bathroom, wipe the affected areas with white vinegar before using a damp cloth to scrub the surface until the area is clean.
“It is important to dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent the mold from growing back.”
You can get your hands on a 5 liter bottle of white vinegar for around £6 on Amazon.
Or you can get a small 568ml bottle of white vinegar for just 35 cents at Aldi.
It always pays to compare prices so you know you're getting the best deal, and don't forget to factor in delivery costs if you order online.
Prices may also vary from day to day depending on the offers in effect at the time. Please note that you may have to pay for delivery if you order online.
You can compare prices on platforms such as Google Shopping.
Improve airflow
Keeping the windows open is an excellent way to prevent mold and condensation in your home.
Edward said: “Many damp problems are the result of poor ventilation, so improving airflow in a home can be a huge benefit.
“Opening windows on two opposite sides of a property for 20 minutes a day reduces humidity by up to 10% and is an effective way to prevent mold growth.”
Doing this again in the morning and at night before bed is the most effective way to get rid of mold.
Heat your house
Keeping a home warm during the winter months is the best way to prevent mold growth.
But because energy bills remain stubbornly high, most families do not want to keep the heating on for long periods of time.
Fortunately, the temperature you need to keep your home at to prevent moisture is not as high as you might think.
Edward said keeping it low may be the best way to combat it.
He said: “The temperature also helps regulate moisture levels.
“Keeping your heating system running and running at a low temperature can help combat condensation, the most common cause of mold.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends keeping your home at 18 degrees or higher if possible.
What should I do if I already have mold in my house?
Many experts say that bleach is all you need if you don't own or want to buy specialized cleaning sprays and paints.
If you use bleach, mix four parts water with one part bleach
You will also need a stiff brush, a bucket of water with a cloth and another cloth for drying
Apply your solution to the affected areas (including a few inches around visible mold to kill any mold that is not yet visible)
Scrub it vigorously with a strong brush
Wait as long as possible or until the fungus has completely disappeared from view and rinse the treated areas thoroughly.
Pat the area dry and allow it to dry completely before moving furniture or placing objects in front of the area.
In the meantime, we spoke with a real estate professional to find out how you can prevent mold in your home this winter.
Plus, we tried four tricks to remove condensation and mold and were surprised by the results.
And we've identified four mold spots in your home that you need to check now.
Do you have a money problem that needs to be solved? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.
Moreover, you can join us Sun Money chats and tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories.