MOULD AWAY
Aldi is selling a £11 mould-fighting gadget and it hits shelves this weekend
Scroll down to find out how you could get your hands on the bargain buy
SUPERMARKET shoppers are rushing to get their hands on the latest mould-fighting gadget for only £10.99.
The major discounter is selling a dehumidifier that offers a cheap solution for you home in the colder months.
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Keeping on top of the damp in your home can be difficult at this time of year.
This is not helped by the fact that most people will have to crank up the heating or put the tumble dryer on to get their laundry dry.
Neither option is good for the household bills, but the condensation that can develop also increases the risk of mould.
However, Aldi has a solution that doesn't cost a fortune.
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The UniBond AERO 360 Compact Moisture Absorber is hitting the shelves this weekend for just £10.99.
The mould combating tool is only on offer in store, with the item not available for sale online.
Anyone hoping to head to their local Aldi branch should phone ahead to avoid disappointment and check stock levels.
According to the advert posted on the supermarket giant's website, the moisture absorber is comprised of "ultra-active crystals".
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It also offers a "wave-shaped surface" to enhance air exposure.
The packaging even suggests that customers will see "visible results" within 12 hours.
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With no electricity required to run as well as a compact design, the 2-in-1 tool allows users flexibility to move the object around their home with ease.
Aldi isn't the only store selling this nifty gadget.
Shoppers could look to Dunelm which is selling the same dehumidifier at £12.50, although they may want to keep an eye out for the £3.95 delivery cost.
The Range is selling an identical item on offer for £11.99 online but Screwfix is selling it cheaper for £10.99, matching Aldi's low price point.
However, screwfix does charge a delivery fee of £5 if you're ordering online, so that does bring the cost up.
Prices can also vary day to day and by what deals are on at the time, plus remember you might pay for delivery if you're ordering online.
You can compare prices on platforms like Google Shopping.
Another factor to consider when purchasing this is the cost of refills as you'll need to replace them every 1-3 months.
While Sainsbury's stocks the refills for £10, Asda sells them at £7.50.
The range is slightly cheaper as they sell refills for £6.99 but Aldi ultimately beats the other stores as they stock Unibond refills for just £5.49.
Considering the refills cost half the price of the product it's worth evaluating how much this is going to cost you in the long term.
If you were to change them four times per year, refills will bring the cost up by £21.96.
This type of dehumidifier doesn't cost anything to run. That's because it uses materials, such as silica, to trap the moisture.
Electric dehumidifiers can also be effective at removing damp though they will cost you money to run as they plug in at the wall and use the energy to help remove the moisture.
They also tend to cost more and prices for electric dehumidifiers usually start at around £30, but prices can go up to £300.
What causes mould?
Mould flourishes where there is condensation, which occurs when warm air hits a cooler surface and creates moisture.
Nicholas Donnithorne, UK technical services manager at Property Preservation Specialists Peter Cox, explained that mould spores are present in the air year-round and spread when dampness is present for six hours.
In the home, this dampness is normally caused by condensation, which occurs while showering, drying clothes or cooking.
Mould can grow anywhere in a property and can be identified as black speckled marks or grey growths on window sills, woodwork, painted walls, ceilings, wallpaper or fabric.
Why should you deal with mould?
Mould is not just unsightly, it can have serious health consequences.
If you find mould it's vital to act quickly.
Government guidance read: "Damp and mould primarily affect the airways and lungs, but they can also affect the eyes and skin. The respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death."
As well as the dangers to health mould can damage your home.
Mr Donnithorne said: "Damp problems can lead to side-effects such as unpleasant odours, dark stains on walls and surface
damage to paintwork."
How can you prevent mould from building up?
Combatting mould is relatively simple, particularly if you're able to increase ventilation in affected areas.
Mr Donnithorne said: "Fortunately, issues with condensation can be addressed.
"More often than not, just making sure that there’s adequate ventilation in your property will solve the problem."
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He advised:
- Open a window to allow humid air to escape as often as possible
- Close a door when showering or cooking
- Use extractor fans and put lids on pans
- Avoid drying clothes indoors
- Wipe down windows each morning if condensation has formed
- Check washing machines and tumble dryers have been plumbed incorrectly
- Carry out tasks such as painting, decorating, mopping floors and cleaning windows on warmer days
Common Bathroom Habits That Increase Mould
Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the chance of mould growing in homes.
Leaving wet towels and bathmats on floor
Wet towels and bathmats on the floors after a shower or bath can increase humidity levels which provides a perfect breeding ground for mould spores.
To prevent this, hang towels and bathmats in an area where they can dry quickly and to wash them regularly.
Not turning on the fan
An exhaust fan is critical in reducing moisture levels in the bathroom.
When taking a hot shower or bath, steam increases the room's humidity level, creating an ideal setting for mould to flourish on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the risk of mould growth.
Experts suggest running the fan during the shower and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to lower humidity levels.
Ignoring small leaks
Even minor leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, fostering an environment where mould can thrive.
Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mould growth in less visible areas such as inside walls or under flooring.
Fix leaks promptly to prevent mould and potential structural damage.
Keeping shower curtains or doors closed
Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, delaying the drying process and creating a humid environment conducive to mould growth.
Mould can easily develop on shower curtains, doors, and in tile grout if they remain wet for too long.
To avoid this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and allow the area to dry more quickly.
Storing too many products
Shower caddies and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow and trap moisture and creates hidden, moist niches where mould can grow unnoticed.
Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum, and regularly clean and dry the areas underneath them to prevent mould growing.