Fans of cleaning guru Mrs Hinch have discovered a brilliant £1 method of keeping their homes mould-free. With so many people unable to afford to heat their homes this winter, an increasing number of us are being forced to keep our windows closed to retain heat.
Another consequence of staggering energy bills is that households across the country are trying to dry clothes indoors with no heat or ventilation. Not only is this frustrating, but it could also prove dangerous if you're not careful.
Excess moisture within your home when there is little to no ventilation can lead to mould. Mould is particularly dangerous for those with respiratory problems, so it's important to try and keep it away where possible.
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Fans of cleaning guru Mrs Hinch have found an unlikely method of keeping the mould at bay. The best bit is, it only costs £1.
In a post on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips group on Facebook, one woman asked for tips on how to effectively clean mould from her bedroom wall, and someone offered a unique solution - using Listerine mouthwash.
The commenter claimed that using mouthwash can completely stop mould from re-growing, and is perfect for keeping your surfaces mould-free for longer. They said: "Original Listerine mouthwash stops it re-growing. Leave the window open a little for airflow a few times a week."
And there seems to be some truth to the person's rave review too, as The Mirror asked cleaning expert Emily Barron from Rezigo if the trick would actually work, and she assured them that it would.
She said: "Yes - Listerine can kill mould and keep it at bay as it kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria in your mouth, the same can be said for killing bacteria in your home. To kill the fungal spores of mould, use plain, clear, and inexpensive ethanol-based mouthwash. Dilute the mixture by using one part mouthwash to three parts water.
"Spray this on the affected areas once every few days and keep the room well-ventilated or use a dehumidifier to ensure airflow and reduce the risk for further build-up."
On social media, shoppers pointed out that bottles of Listerine only cost £1 from the likes of B&M and Poundland, but the product is available at several major stores for a little more cash. Meanwhile, David Philips, building expert at Property Rescue, also said you can help prevent the build-up of mould by taking steps to reduce the amount of water you have evaporating inside your house.
By drying your clothes outside as much as possible, putting lids on your pans when cooking to reduce the output of steam, and using dehumidifiers to capture any excess moisture, you can limit the chances of damp conditions forming inside your home, which will keep mould at bay.
If you do find mould in your home, David said: "To remove mould, you can dilute one part bleach in four parts water and gently wipe affected surfaces. Anti-mould paint can then be applied to cover stains and delay recurrence. But this will not provide a long-term solution. Ventilation in your property will need to be addressed to prevent the mould from returning."
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