MOULD and mildew can feel like a constant battle.
The problem peaks in the winter when warm air gets trapped in our homes, leading to condensation on windows and walls.
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Keeping the windows open is the best way to prevent it, but that’s not ideal when you’re trying to keep energy bills down.
So I tested an array of dehumidifiers, shop-bought and DIY, to find the best value . . .
FULL STEAM AHEAD: My electric de-humidifier is my first line of defence.
With a host of options for all budgets, a good way to choose one is to search “dehumidifiers” on Google Shopping, where you can enter your budget as well as look for items on sale.
Check reviews. Appliances Direct has a well-rated electriQ model for £39.97, saving £20.
SILENT SAPPERS: I switch my noisy dehumidifier off at night when the house gets most humid, meaning I depend on other moisture-absorbers around my home.
Unibond’s Aero 360 dehumidifiers do great work collecting up tubs of water and I have them on every upstairs windowsill.
Look for deals.
Aero 360 containers are good value at £9 from Screwfix, while Wilko is now selling its four-packs of refill tablets for £11.
BOWL SO GOOD: The Aero tablets are meant to last up to three months but they can run down pretty quickly in warm homes.
There are cheaper DIY dehumidifiers that I now also use to avoid buying refills too frequently.
Placing bowls of salt and baking sodas in the windows helped to reduce my dehumidifier’s humidity readings, as they absorb moisture.
Any salt will do. You’ll need to replace them often, as the crystals or powder quickly go clumpy from taking in damp.
EVERY LITTER HELPS: Old socks filled with cat litter and knotted at the end also seemed to lower my house’s humidity readings, even though this sounded a bit like an old wives’ tale.
Silicon cat litter is best for this as it’s highly absorbent.
Wilko Silica Cat Litter Crystals cost £3.90 for three litres.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press.
- Deals/offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
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Cheap treat
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Top swap
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Leah’s little helper
GET tough on grime and oil without forking out on costly cleaning products with Elbow Grease all-purpose degreaser, 90p, at Wilko.
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