WITH the cold weather in full swing, one of the most annoying things in houses across the country is dampness and condensation.
But Lidl Ireland are now selling the perfect buy to stop it, and its a fraction of the price of a dehumidifier.
The Talavera Houseplant is just as effective as a dehumidifier, but costs just €11.99.
The plant comes in a pot measuring 12cm and the plant itself measures between 28 and 41cm.
You can choose from nine varieties, including Bonsai.
In Woodies, you can pick up the Sansevieria 12cm for €10.99, which is a similar type of plant.
They sell the same types of plants in Urban Plant Life from just €9.99, while bigger ones are around €16.99.
Ikea sell them from €10, or you can buy them on Amazon in different sizes.
Not only do these plants help to brighten up your home and bring a bit of nature indoors, but they can also help reduce mould.
Some plants are very good at stopping condensation.
While most plants release moisture into the air via transpiration, some have adapted to conserve water.
They minimise transpiration and reduce humidity levels in their immediate vicinity.
This in turn helps to reduce condensation.
Some examples of plants that have low transpiration rates and help reduce moisture in the air include Cacti and Succulents.
Plants do not absorb all of the moisture, so it’s important to ventilate your home and use a dehumidifier also.
HOW TO PREVENT CONDENSATION
Condensation occurs when warm air comes into contact with a cold surface and is very common on windows during winter.
This interaction causes water droplets to appear.
Keeping your window slightly open at night can help allow some of that warm air to escape preventing a build up on the glass of your window.
Keeping curtains open at night can also help by allowing heat to reach the window panes and preventing the surface being too cold when air hits it.
Drying clothes outside where possible will prevent excess moisture being released into the air which will help avoid water droplets forming on your windows.
And you should always keep windows open when cooking or showering to stop further excess moisture in the air while will rise humidity levels resulting in condensation forming.
It’s important to remove condensation as not only is it unsightly, but it also encourages the growth of mould.
Mould can cause issues for your health, so it’s important to keep on top of condensation to avoid mould growing.
The most effective way to eliminate condensation is by removing the moisture in the air through ventilation and dehumidifiers.
David Domoney, Chartered Horticulturalist and plant expert told Everest: “Houseplants are a wonderful way to naturally clear our homes of excess moisture and toxins, whilst also providing a relaxing and beautiful sight to enjoy.
“Toxins easily build up in our homes through products we use in our daily lives, such as aerosols, fires, cleaning products and more.
“Adding plants is such a beautiful change to make which will also have a positive impact on your life and overall health, as they, with the microorganisms in the soil, neutralise some of the toxins and produce refreshing oxygen, which is great for our respiratory health.”
