With freezing cold temperatures sweeping across the UK, many households are dealing with persistent issues of condensation and damp. Homes tend to get more condensation in the winter months because of the heat inside contrasting with the colder temperatures outdoors.
Condensation is the most common cause of damp, which can be a serious health concern, especially amongst young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses. This is because it can lead to the growth of mould, which can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, as well as increase the risk of fungal infections.
Mould can be difficult to treat, but one expert has now shared a little-known hack which is a budget-friendly solution to preventing condensation and damp from the get-go.
READ MORE: ‘We bought a mould-ridden house that no one wanted – now it’s worth £410,000’
READ MORE: The last date you can start home-buying process to meet March stamp duty deadline
According to Eric Bramlett, owner of Bramlett Real Estate, keeping a bag of cat litter on hand is a smart, cost-effective way to tackle icy, damp conditions this winter, with no cat required.
“Cat litter is an affordable, practical solution to keep in your home throughout winter,” Eric explains. “Its gritty texture adds grip to slippery surfaces, and it also does a great job at absorbing excess moisture, so you can use it to create your own mini dehumidifier.”
Here is how you can use cat litter to combat damp and condensation around your home this winter:
-
Fill a sock with cat litter, tie the end and place it on your window sill. This will help prevent water droplets forming.
-
You can use the same method to stop your car windscreen from fogging up by placing a filled sock on your dashboard. This is also a great way to absorb excess moisture in bathroom cupboards.
-
Sprinkle your driveway with car litter to de-ice, improve traction, and prevent slips.