My key to getting rid of condensation with a £6 trick – it’s an overlooked method

MANY homes are struggling with mold, not least due to the wettest February on record.

The pest is not only unsightly and difficult to remove without careful treatment, but is also harmful to your health.

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If left unchecked, black fuzz can cause a range of different conditions, including breathing problems and headaches.

Mold problems often start with condensation.

This occurs when warm air comes into contact with a cold surface.

If condensation and moisture are left untreated, mold can grow on your walls and ceilings.

While severe cases may require you to seek the advice of a professional – which can be expensive – there are some simple steps you can take yourself to keep the toxic mess at bay, according to Andy Simms, a construction expert at MyBuilder.com .

He told The Sun: “Firstly, it is imperative to identify the underlying cause of mold in your home.

“But if condensation is your biggest problem, there are some cheap and clever hacks that can help.

“A cheap method is to use mega chalk and clove oil.”

If you have children, you may be familiar with using chalk in craft activities.

What you may not realize is that it is also a highly absorbent material.

Clove oil has antifungal properties that can kill spores and effectively prevent mold growth.

Andy said: “The chalk removes condensation and the clove oil prevents it from returning. Both items are relatively cheap.”

For example, you can buy a 20 pack of Giant Chalk from Amazon for £3.25, and a 10ml bottle of clove oil from Boots for £2.99.

All you have to do is dab a few drops of oil on your chalk.

“Once you’ve done this, simply place the chalk on the affected areas,” said the DIY expert. “This can help keep the area dry. This is an often overlooked method that can be very effective.”

For example, you might want to place the piece of chalk in the corner of your bedroom, or in your drawers or wardrobe.

The key is to place a few sticks around the house where you need moisture to be absorbed, such as windowsills

You can then return to those pieces of chalk every month or so and add a few more drops of clove oil.

Andy added: “If you spot small spots of mold, clove oil is a great product that you can use to clear these up before the mold spreads too far.”

Mold can be especially problematic between October and April due to the wet, damp and humid conditions during the winter months.

The problem is also exacerbated at this time of year by a lack of adequate ventilation, as people are less likely to open their windows when it is cold outside.

But if you do need to call in a professional, you can expect to pay an average of around $200 to have mold removed from your home.

If you have a particularly bad case for your entire home, you could be faced with a bill of between $800 and $1,000.

With this in mind, it is worth taking all possible steps to get rid of condensation.

Andy added: “Mold is a real scourge on British homes due to bad weather, and it can be very difficult to eradicate once it has taken hold.

“So while you investigate where the problem is coming from, there are some things you can do to keep it at bay.”

More ways to tackle mold and damp

Using chalk and clove oil isn’t the only unusual tip Andy recommends.

He said: “Another unorthodox technique to remove damp from your bedroom is to fill old socks with cat litter and place them near the affected area.

“This may sound unpleasant, but it really works.”

You can buy a 10 liter bag of this pet essential for just £7.50 at Asda.

Andy added: “If you decide to try this trick, keep in mind that you will need to replace the nest monthly.”

In addition to chalk and cat litter, salt and baking soda are also cheap and effective ways to reduce the moisture caused by condensation, according to the do-it-yourselfer.

“Try placing these in small dishes or bowls near areas where condensation occurs,” he added.

While these unusual-sounding hacks can all help you control condensation in your home, there are also some basic rules to follow.

“The most effective solution is to improve air flow by simply opening the windows as much as possible,” says the developer.

“If it is safe, consider sleeping with the window open as this will limit the amount of condensation in your bedroom.”

If this isn’t possible, get into the habit of opening your curtains – and windows – as soon as you wake up in the morning.

“Remove any condensation with an old towel,” said Andy. “Make this part of your morning routine.”

It is also important that the windows are open when showering.

“Avoid taking long hot showers if possible,” says Andy.

“A shorter, colder shower reduces the amount of condensation in your home. Whatever you do, make sure the bathroom is ventilated with an open window, or by turning on the extractor hood.”

The same goes for if you have a fan in your kitchen: don’t forget to turn it on before you start cooking.

According to Andy, drying clothes indoors is also a big no.

“This will add moisture to your home,” he said. “So if you are able to do so, try to hang your clothes outside.

If there is a breeze, your laundry will dry at least partially – and possibly completely – even at lower temperatures.”

Although it comes at a greater expense, Andy suggests investing in a dehumidifier.

“Having one of these units in your bedroom is a sure-fire way to keep condensation at bay,” he said.

“You can often pick one up second hand. You can also control costs by using the dehumidifier occasionally.”