WITH energy bills soaring, many households are feeling the chill this winter as they try to cut costs.
However, the cold brings its own challenges, including the increased risk of mould.
And with the energy price cap set to rise yet again, many homeowners are turning to clever tricks and tips to keep expenses down.
The energy regulator, Ofgem, has announced the new price cap, which will come into effect on 1 April 2025.
For those not on a fixed deal, the annual average dual fuel bill will rise from £1,738 to £1,849.
Electricity prices will increase from 24.86p per kWh to 27.03p, meaning the average household will face an additional £9 per month, or £111 per year.
Amidst these financial pressures, Mrs Hinch fans have stepped up with a clever and cost-effective solution for tackling mould.
A surprising home hack, shared in the popular Facebook group Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips, has caught the attention of many: using Listerine mouthwash to eliminate mould.
This can cost between 99p and £3 depending on where you buy it from.
One group member shared her success story: “I found advice for my mum, and it said to use mouthwash because she had really bad mould on the walls.
“She tried it at the end of last year, and it hasn’t come back.”
Cleaning expert and director of Daily Poppins, Nigel Bearman, confirmed the effectiveness of this unconventional method.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”I’m a cleaner and I’ve tested out every hoover you can imagine – my go to is the most affordable, and I’m not a fan of Mrs Hinch one” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6363863120112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]He explained: “Listerine contains a combination of alcohol and essential oils that have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
“These properties help to kill bacteria, germs, and even mould spores.”
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D107754%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]He added that any ethanol-based mouthwash would work, and with some options available for as little as £1, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to professional mould removal services, which can cost upwards of £1,200.
To try this hack for yourself, simply mix one part ethanol-based mouthwash with three parts water in a spray bottle.
Lightly spray the solution onto the affected area, leave it to sit for five to ten minutes, and then wipe the mould away with a clean cloth.
Repeat the process every few days until the mould is gone, and ensure the room is well-ventilated to prevent future growth.
While energy bills may be rising, small, simple solutions like this one can make a big difference – not just to your wallet, but also to your home.
With a little ingenuity and the right advice, you can tackle winter’s challenges head-on.