I live in a mobile home and have a top-notch trick for preventing condensation and mold
THE cold weather brings with it annoying condensation, which can be difficult to remove without the right tools.
Not only that, but condensation and mold can cause serious health problems if not addressed sooner or later.
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Condensation occurs when warm air hits a cooler surface and creates moisture. That’s why your windows fog up when the temperature outside drops.
If left alone, it can cause mold and mildew, which is difficult to remove and can harm your health, including worsening asthma, eczema and allergies.
Luckily, there’s a cheap and cheerful trick you can use to keep both mold and condensation at bay without spending a lot of money.
While there are many useful products that claim to solve the problem, few are as cheap as the ANSIO dehumidifier.
The dehumidifier is available from Amazon and helps combat condensation and mold by removing moisture from the air.
The product description online explains how the compact tubs can be used anywhere condensation is present, such as kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, basements, caravans, boats and garages.
They are especially convenient to use next against windows – just place one of the disposable containers close to the window and your condensation problem should no longer exist.
The best part is you can buy a pack of 10 online for just £12.98, which works out to just £1.30 per jar – an offer that’s too good to miss.
Shoppers are also raving about the product, with many giving it a perfect five-star rating online.
One satisfied customer said: “Great for removing damp. Use them all year round in mobile homes to prevent mould. They are not too expensive and do a good job.”
And another confessed that they have one ‘in every room of the house’ and that they are ‘always amazed at the amount of water they collect’.
“While it may not be a permanent solution, it certainly helps keep moisture at bay.
“Overall, it’s a practical option for anyone dealing with excess fluid,” wrote another.
Even more tricks to keep condensation and mold at bay
The Sun previously spoke to Nicholas Donnithorne, UK Technical Services Manager at damp proofing company Peter Cox, Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch and Natalie Hitchins, home products and services editor at Which?, who revealed their top tips for keeping them both under control .
Dry clothes outside
If you hang your pants and socks indoors, condensation can form as the moisture escapes from them into the air.
Instead, hang your clothes outside even if there’s a slight chance of rain, Nicholas said.
He added: “You can also dry your clothes in a tumble dryer or in an enclosed area with the window open.”
Keep your home well ventilated
The weather may be getting warmer, but you’ll probably still take a hot shower every now and then.
To avoid steam If you’re clinging to the walls of your bathroom, make sure to open all windows and turn on any exhaust fans, Nicholas said.
Keep the bathroom door closed even after showering so that excess steam does not escape to the rest of the house.
And Nicholas added: “Use the vents on windows or keep a quarter light open for background ventilation.”
Drip vents are small vents that can be added to the top of windows and allow a constant flow of air in and out.
Use household items
If it’s too late and any condensation has had a chance to bloom and turn into mold, you can end up removing it for nothing.
Natalie, from Which?, said: “A few drops of washing up liquid mixed with warm water can work on smaller areas of mold on hard surfaces such as walls or floors.
“Use a sponge, cloth or brush to work the soap solution over the mold in small circular motions.
“If you’re trying to remove particularly stubborn mold, try a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and warm water and pour into a spray bottle to goal the affected area.”
If you have a little more budget, you can try purchasing mold or mildew remover from the nearest supermarket or retailer.
You can get it as cheap as £1.20 from B&M or £2.50 from Dunelmat the time of writing.
What is mold and how do you get rid of it?
Mold is likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, product development scientist at Amaze revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mold is a common problem that many people face in the winter. Mold thrives in warm and moist conditions, so your bathroom is probably the most affected area.
“That said, most rooms in your home can be vulnerable to mold growth during the colder months.
“This is mainly due to condensation that builds up on your windows when you have the radiators on.
“If you think about it, if the windows and doors are closed, there isn’t much chance for the air to circulate and for the moisture to come out quickly.
“This buildup is the cause of the dreaded mold, especially in bathrooms, as it creates a warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mold.
“If left untreated, it is not only unsightly, but can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it is very important that you treat it.
“The key to tackling mold is to act quickly.
“Try to come into contact with it as little as possible. So grab your gloves, tie your hair and get to work removing any signs of mold as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mold at bay, there are some simple solutions you can apply throughout your home.
“The first is to keep the bathroom ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months, try leaving your bathroom window open for at least 10 to 15 minutes after showering or bathing. This will quickly remove excess moisture and prevent mold from forming.
“If you have repeated problems with mold in a particular room, it may be that the humidity is too high. You can purchase a dehumidifier which will keep levels down and reduce the risk of mold returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mold is: the sooner you can treat it, the better. Leaving it alone will only make it worse, so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mold every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s number 1 mold and mildew removerthat effectively removes mold and mildew stains almost immediately, without scrubbing.”
