Cheap alternatives to battle condensation if a dehumidifier is out of budget

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Condensation can spawn mould if left untreated (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Condensation can spawn mould if left untreated (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

After an abnormally warm festive period it's been back to winter reality in January. The big coats are out and central heating being reluctantly turned up, but one scourge is plaguing millions of households up and down the country, condensation and mould.

The pesky nuisance of condensation leaves many windows absolutely dripping in water every morning. One solution many people turn to is a dehumidifier, but while they are brilliant devices, they don't come cheap.

The likes of the Russell Hobbs 10L dehumidifier has been praised for instantly making a big impact on excess moisture levels, although with a £129 price tag at Amazon, Dunelm and Asda it will be out of reach for a lot of budgets. Thankfully, there are much cheaper solutions out there that come at a fraction of the cost.

We've rounded up some of the much more budget-friendly options that can make condensation a problem of the past.

ANSIO Dehumidifier 500ml Pack of 10

Cheap alternatives to battle condensation if a dehumidifier is out of budget qhiqhuiquriddtinvA compact dehumidifier from Amazon is "handy" for the rise in damp during the colder months (Ansio)

The ANSIO Dehumidifier 500ml Pack of 10 can be picked up on Amazon for as little as £11.79. The packs are designed to remove dampness and humidity from the air.

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The tubs contain unique hydrophilic crystals that are specifically formulated to draw and retain moisture from the air. This helps combat condensation, damp rooms, allergens in the air, mould, mildew and neutralises odours.

The 10 pack means you can dot the tubs around the house, so they're perfect for helping in multiple rooms. However, keep in mind they aren't as effective as premium electric dehumidifiers and will require replacing when the crystals have absorbed their maximum amount of moisture.

UniBond AERO 360º Moisture Absorber

Cheap alternatives to battle condensation if a dehumidifier is out of budgetUniBond AERO 360º Moisture Absorber (Amazon)

The UniBond AERO 360º Moisture Absorber works in a similar way to the Ansio packs, but the aerodynamic design promotes 360° air circulation for advanced efficiency, making it suitable for rooms up to 20m². It has the added benefit of being silent, which is a plus when compared with some of the powerful models that can be a bit on the noisy side.

It can be bought for £12.40 on Amazon, and can be refilled. It's a tad cheaper on B&Q, with the DIY store selling it for £10. The reviews are broadly very positive, although a small number of negative reviews said it hadn't solved the problem.

12 Hanging Wardrobe Dehumidifiers

Cheap alternatives to battle condensation if a dehumidifier is out of budget12 Hanging Wardrobe Dehumidifiers Moisture Trap, sold by The Range (The Range)

If the problem extends to your wardrobe then these 12 Hanging Wardrobe Dehumidifiers could offer a solution that doesn't break the bank. They're sold by the Range for £13.99, making them around £1.16 per pack.

The product description says: "These handy hanging wardrobe dehumidifier bags are a quick and easy way to help remove damp and improve air quality. The special crystals inside draw moisture and damp from the surrounding atmosphere trapping it inside the dehumidifier.

"It is especially useful to dry out small spaces with little air movement, reducing condensation and preventing mould and mildew building up." But it is worth noting that each 180g lasts 3-6 weeks, so will need replacing.

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Samuel Jones

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