BANISH mould from your homes this autumn and winter, with a budget buy from B&Q.
Now that summer is well and truly behind us, you may have noticed that the cold weather has caused condensation to start to appear on your windows.
Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, causing the water vapour in the air to condense into liquid water.
This can then lead to mould growth on walls and ceilings, which can cause a wide variety of health problems, including asthma and rashes.
It can also cause damage to your home and furniture, so it’s best to find the root cause of the issue, and fix it.
A simple trick you can use to prevent condensation is to invest in some moisture sucking houseplants.
Aloe Vera is a popular succulent found in many homes – but homeowners don’t just keep them because of their pretty green leaves.
The clever plants suck up excess moisture from the air, preventing condensation from having the chance to form, and lead to mould.
They work best if placed in the kitchen or bathroom, where there is lots of excess moisture.
B&Q is currently selling a selection of three small aloe vera plants for just £5, making each succulent just £1.60.
The Verve Aloe safari mix in Terracotta Plastic Grow pot’s are super easy to look after, and you don’t need to water them at all between November and March.
Simply place your aloe plant in a room where the temperature is higher than 14 degrees, and rotate it every couple of weeks, for even growth.
Only water the plant when the soil has completely dried out, and don’t allow it to sit in water, as this will damage the roots.
The plants will need re-potting every two to three years, during the spring, using a cacti-succulent compost.
Other uses for aloe vera
Keeping mould at bay isn’t the only thing that aloe vera can do, as the clever plant has a variety of other uses.
The gel inside the leaves of aloe plants can be used to soothe burns, and even contains compounds that speed up the wound healing process.
What is mould and how to get rid of it?
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.
“That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.
“This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.
“If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there’s not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.
“This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.
“If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.
“The key to tackle mould is to act fast.
“Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.
“The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.
“If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”
The clever leaves can also be used to moisturise the skin, and many people also use them to calm the digestive tract and promote regular bowel movements.
How to get rid of mould
If you already have mould growing in your home then don’t worry, as you can get rid of it with some bleach and a bit of kitchen roll.
The best part is you don’t need to break the bank to get your hands on it either, since hydrogen peroxide can be bought from B&Q for just £8.99.
Of course, you won’t need to use a full bottle since you’ll only need to cover the affected areas, meaning the trick will work out to as little as 30p.
First decant 6% Hydrogen Peroxide into a spray bottle and spritz any areas with black mould.
Then line the same areas with kitchen roll and spray again before waiting 30 minutes to remove everything – you should make sure to wear gloves when using hydrogen peroxide as well.
Finish up by rinsing the same area thoroughly and you’ll be left with a bathroom that looks as good as new.
