If you’ve noticed mould starting to take over your home, you’re not alone — and there’s one simple way to prevent it from growing using a very particular household item
Winter is well and truly on its way, and with it inevitably comes damp. And as we all know, damp almost always results in mould. Soon, it will be prime time for mould to flourish in UK homes, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.
This is due to condensation build-up and windows being kept shut to retain heat indoors during the cold weather. Fortunately, a home safety expert has revealed a £2 solution that can prevent mould from even starting to grow, much less take over whole areas of the house, reports the Express.
Neil Mckenzie, speaking on behalf of family-run business Halton Stairlifts, revealed what to do.
Mckenzie said: “Mould isn’t only disgusting to look at in your home, it’s also really bad for your health, causing respiratory issues amongst other problems. And in the winter, we begin to notice its presence more and more as people aren’t able to ventilate their homes well due to the poor weather.
“However, this doesn’t mean you should allow mould to grow before you take out a spray to try and get rid of it. You can actually prevent growth completely by completing a two-minute task weekly.”
The specialist advised: “To prevent mould spores from taking hold, all you need to do is purchase some tea tree oil, available at most high street retailers for as little as £2. Mix 250ml of water and up to five drops of the oil into a spray bottle and mist this onto any areas that are prone to developing mould.”
“Focus on spaces like bathroom corners, or window frames, as these are the most common areas for mould to grow. By doing this once a week, you should be able to stop mould growth and create a safe environment for your family.”
If you’re sceptical about homemade remedies for tackling issues like mould growth, don’t worry. There may be another product that claims to work like “magic”—and our own journalists have tested it.
Steffan Rhys and Millie Bull of the Express gave Mould Magic a go, a clear gel suitable for use on silicone, grout, walls, windows and even furniture to eliminate mould. Simply apply the gel directly from the tube, let it do its job for two to three hours before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
Both journalists were thoroughly impressed with the quick-fix mould solution and recommend others struggling with a mould issue to try it out for themselves.
For those looking to take a natural approach, one houseplant in particular is being recommended by experts as an effective way to tackle mould this winter. Specialists at The Residence Collection have described peace lilies as “natural dehumidifiers” that absorb moisture through their leaves.
This can make a significant difference in damp spaces, especially during the winter months when people are less likely to keep windows open.
The experts shared: “Peace lilies absorb moisture from the air through their leaves, helping to balance out the humidity levels in your home. This makes it tougher for mould to grow. Plus, they’re great at purifying the air, removing toxins, and keeping your indoor environment fresh.”
They added that windows are the perfect spaces for these types of plants. Filtered light from bathroom or kitchen windows offers the ideal environment for peace lilies, allowing them to thrive without the risk of excessive sun exposure.
And peace lilies aren’t the only plants with similar benefits. Houseplants like Boston ferns, spider plants, and English ivy also prevent moisture buildup and trap mould spores before they can spread throughout the house.