Six ‘brilliant’ bargain buys costing under £8 to tackle mould in seconds as fans praise ‘no need to scrub’ solution
MANY households are blighted by black mould in winter which is ushered in by cold weather and condensation around the home.
The unsightly growth is most likely to be found in bathrooms and kitchens due to trapped moisture from the shower and bath or from cooking.
But it can end up in almost any parts of your pad with poor ventilation.
As well as being an eyesore, mould can trigger health problems such as respiratory issues, allergies and asthma.
Tackling the problem can feel like a never-ending chore.
However, cheap hacks and buys can make managing mould much easier and won’t break the bank.
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Try one of these affordable fixes.
Astonish mould and mildew blaster - £1.25 Poundland
Many cleaning gurus swear by Astonish mould and mildew blaster. It costs just £1.25 online at Poundland.co.uk or you can try to get your hands on the solution in store at B&M.
The product is tough and effective on mould - simply spray and leave for a few minutes before wiping clean.
It's great on bathroom tiles but it's not suitable for all surfaces so just check before use that it's appropriate.
The solution has gained cult following among social media cleaning and bargain groups.
One fan of the product wrote on Facebook's Extreme Couponing and Bargains group: " I love the Astonish brand. Been using them for ages.
"Great products that clean everywhere without having to scrub."
Another user on a cleaning group said: "I love this product. ! I'm a domestic cleaner and use it on all tiles in all bathrooms and shower tiles. I have very happy customers."
Unibond moisture absorber - £8 Tesco
Damp and cold conditions give mould the perfect conditions to grow. Removing excess moisture from the air can help keep growth from the fungus in check.
Electrical dehumidifiers do a great job but come with a big price tag.
However, the Unibond moisture absorber doesn't run from power, though you will need to buy replacement "donuts".
You can just pop it close to the area where you are experiencing problems and it will start to collect water.
It's currently on offer for Clubcard customers at Tesco with a special price of £8, down from the usual £16. The offer runs until February 28.
The next cheapest we could find was at Screwfix for £9.79.
You can pick up replacements right now for £5 for two at Aldi.
Silica gel pouches - £6.49 from Amazon
Small silica gel packs are often found in boxes when you buy a pair of shoes because they absorb moisture which can damage the product.
You can also buy bigger packs of Amazon which will do the same job of helping to get rid of damp.
For example, if you're experiencing mould issues near a wardrobe or in a cupboard, it could be worth popping a few of these sachets in the space.
You can buy numerous packs and sizes from Amazon, it's worth reading a few of the reviews before spending.
Vinegar spray - £1.15 Asda
Vinegar is able to kill mould spores helping to keep your home clear of the growth.
If you have white vinegar in your cupboard and a spare spray bottle then you can mix up a solution yourself.
Otherwise you can buy a pre-made version. The cheapest we could find was StarDrops, £1.15, at Asda.
Again, check which surfaces to use the spray. Vinegar can work well on walls but isn't suitable for all tiles. After spraying leave on for an hour before scrubbing off.
It can lead an odour but it should disappear after a few hours.
Peace lily - £7.50 B&Q
Certain plants including Peace Lily, Spider plants, Snake plants and ivy can help beat mould in your home - and as an added bonus they look fab.
These plants often flourish in humid environments so are great for keeping in the bathroom and will naturally help to remove mould from the air as well as toxic pollutants.
We found this Peace Lily for £7.50 at B&Q and the store also sells spider plants for the same price.
Tea tree oil - £1.99, The Range
Similar to vinegar, tea tree oil has properties that help kill mould spores - and the scent is a little more appealing too.
Plus, if you're a bit wary of using harsh chemicals around the home, this is a great alternative solution for cleaning up the mould.
If you have a spare spray bottle, mix up your own solution with around one teaspoon of the oil to one cup of water.
We found a bottle of tea tree oil for £1.99 at The Range.
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We have also looked at the important mould mistake to avoid.