It is hardly surprising in a climate in which homeowners are continually being advised about the urgency of taking green measures in their properties that insulation should be high up on their list of priorities.

And the arguments for taking sensible steps are difficult to ignore. More than 50% of all energy produced by humanity is lost as heat and by reducing the amount of waste heat going into the environment, we can save money and improve sustainability.

But there are ways of making improvements, and one of the most promoted at the moment – especially as we suffer another miserable winter – is spray foam insulation for roofs.

A quick Google or Facebook search will throw up countless companies offering this method as a quick and easy solution to heat loss in the home. Many others try to attract customers by the dubious methods of cold calling.

The simple advice for homeowners if they find themselves considering spray foam insulation as the answer to their energy efficiency problems: Don’t.

Installing spray foam within a property’s roof void significantly reduces airflow in and out, trapping moisture and increasing the risk of condensation. Most roofs in Scotland are constructed with timber. Timber and elevated moisture levels will lead to decay over a period of time.

This poses a risk to the structural integrity of the roof, considerably reducing the life expectancy of the roof structure.  Furthermore, the presence of spray foam conceals the roof timbers from view, meaning such defects could go un-noticed before the extent of the problem is realised leading to costly remedial repair works.

It is an unregulated field with installers either not aware of the consequences of such products or they are out on what can only be described as a ‘get rich quick scheme’, charging thousands of pounds to install these products which they will have no obligation to rectify at a later date, if, that is, they can be located or contacted afterwards.

One of the arguments used to persuade people to sign up for a course of treatment is that there is moisture in the roof space. Even if this is so, the solution to moisture within a roof void is often not insulation but improved ventilation.

That is why the traditional method of dealing with roof spaces is to install the insulation on at ceiling joist level and have gaps in the eaves and/or ridge to allow air to circulate throughout the space.

Furthermore, the majority of mortgage lenders will refuse or restrict lending where spray foam insulation has been installed, significantly reducing the property’s value where it is deemed not suitable for mortgage purposes.

It is not unknown for people who have spent, say, £5,000 on having their roof sprayed to subsequently have to shell out £25,000 -£30,000 for a new roof in order to make their property mortgageable again.

On top of that, the process itself is often coarse and messy. There are instances where unsuitable contractors have covered the entire space in foam – including the suitcases and Christmas decoration boxes stored in the attic.

Beware of cold callers offering such products. If it sounds too good to be true, often this is exactly the case. Before carrying out any home improvement involving new or seemingly innovative products, consult a professional for advice.

Brits are being offered tips on how to reduce energy and water costs in their bathrooms to help save money amid expected rise in bills.

Bathroom experts from Posh.co.uk have revealed nine easy-to-follow tips to lower costs including using an aerator on taps and descaling the water system.

Households are expected to see a 6% rise in their water bills from April with this increasing over the next  seven years by an average of 35% from 2023 to 2030.

To help cope with the rising costs, the experts have identified simple ways for households to lower their bathroom expenses.

Andy Ellis, bathroom expert at Posh.co.uk said: “We don’t realise how every shower, bath, run of the tap and even flush of the toilet can quickly rack up the monthly bills.

“There’s also the issue of water bills which are expected to rise by an average of 35% over the next seven years.

“There’s the electric and gas bills to bear in mind as well as many of us will have our heating on throughout winter to keep our bathrooms warm.

“That’s why we wanted to offer easy-to-follow tips to help households cut down on their energy costs so they aren’t left out of pocket when the bills come out.

“Making simple changes such as switching to energy-efficient light bulbs and fixing water leaks around the shower can help knock off the price every month.”

Here are nine ways to lower energy costs in the bathroom:

1. Fix leaks

Shower leaks may not be noticeable at first which is why it’s best to spend every few weeks inspecting the appliances for any leaks. An unfixed leak can result in wasted water and energy costs, making a quick shower cost considerably more.

2. Descale the water system

Limescale build-up in the water pipes can cause the boiler to work harder in pushing out warm water which will drive up the energy bill. Make sure to descale the water system if this happens and to put shower heads in a bag of white vinegar to remove limescale off the surface.

3. Switch To Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Changing your bathroom bulbs to energy-efficient LED bulbs can help save on energy costs. LEDs use on average 90% less energy compared to incandescent bulbs.

4. Use smartphone apps

Downloading smart home apps is a great way to monitor how much energy and water you’re using in the home and can help you keep an eye on costs.

5. Use an aerator

The simple attachment can be placed at the end of your tap to help reduce water wastage but still provide an efficient amount to use.

6. Turn off standby devices

Devices such as electric toothbrushes and shavers can still drain energy from being plugged in even if they’re not in use. Make sure to turn off all standby devices to prevent any wasted energy.

7. Cut showers by three minutes

Brits on average take eight-minute long showers which is three minutes over the recommended time. Taking a few minutes off every shower can help cut the water bill significantly.

8. Install a cistern bag

A cistern bag can help save one to two litres of water on every toilet flush. Having one installed can help cut water costs and they only cost a few quid to purchase and a couple minutes to install.

9. Opt for mist showers

Having a mist shower can reduce water usage without compromising the enjoyment of a hot shower. The restricted stream is also more gentle and smooth to shower in.

Brits are being told of unusual foods from kitchen cupboards which will keep their windows and mirrors sparkling. 

Glass experts at MeandMyGlass.co.uk have named the seven unusual food items which can be used to clean glass and remove smudge marks including ketchup and tea bags. 

Tea bags have natural cleaning products great for wiping away any smudge marks from glass surfaces.

Lemon juice and fizzy drinks contain acid which breaks down dirt and stains on mirrors and windows.

A raw potato or a slice of white bread are also unusual food items which are great for wiping away stains and spot marks on glass. 

John Cutts, founder of MeandMyGlass.co.uk said: “You don’t need to buy any expensive cleaning products to remove smudges, dirt and grime from your glass windows and mirrors. 

“Instead, there are lots of food items sitting in the back of your kitchen cupboards that are really effective as natural cleaning products. 

“Use cornstarch mixed with cold water to remove more stubborn marks on glass and tea bags rubbed across the surface will remove smudges. 

“Ketchup is another kitchen staple which acts as a glass cleaner – just let the condiment sit for a couple of minutes on any stains and wipe clean with a damp cloth.”

Here are the unusual kitchen cupboard essentials to clean glass:

1. Lemon juice 

Dilute the juice of a lemon with water or white vinegar to create a DIY glass cleaner. The acid in the lemon will break down any stains or marks on glass to make it shine. Cutting a fresh lemon in half and gently rubbing it over glass will also act as a cleaner. 

2. Cornstarch 

Cornstarch is a great ingredient to polish glass and windows. The small granules act as a natural abrasive, and when mixed with cold water the solution can be applied to the glass with a sponge to remove any smudges.

3. Tea bags

Natural cleaning properties in tea makes it a great product for removing smudges from glass. Seep a few tea bags in boiling water and let it sit until cool. Rub the tea bag across a glass surface and wipe clean with a microfibre cloth after sitting for five minutes. 

4. Ketchup

The acidity in ketchup can break down grime and marks on a glass surface. Smudge in ketchup directly onto the glass and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes. Gently rub the condiment across any smudge marks and wipe clean with a damp, soft cloth. 

5. Fizzy drinks

 Pour a small amount of the fizzy drink over a glass surface and use a soft sponge to spread over any smudges. Using a clean sponge, wipe away the drink and dry with a clean cloth to prevent any sticky spots. The acidity and carbonation in fizzy drinks acts as a useful natural cleaning product.

6. Potatoes

 Take a raw potato and cut in half to then wipe over any glass surface. Use a bit of pressure on any stubborn stains and let the juice and starch from the potato sit for five to ten minutes. With a damp microfiber cloth wipe away the residue. 

7. White bread

Soft white bread is a great hack to remove smudges from glass. Simply rub a slice over any dirty areas and the grime will lift off. Wipe away any crumbs or residue with a soft cloth for a streak-free finish. 

Homeowners looking to renovate their bathrooms are being told of the top style trends of 2024.

Luxury bathroom retailer Poshh.co.uk have revealed the best options for those looking for bathroom style inspiration.

Renovating a bathroom can enhance a home’s aesthetic and even increase the price of a property’s valuation.

Matte black colour schemes and walk-in showers are some of the popular choices in 2024 for those looking to renovate.

Andy Ellis, luxury bathroom expert at Poshh.co.uk, said: “In 2024 we’re expected to see more people incorporating earthy and natural tones into their bathrooms to promote a relaxing space. 

“The spa-like design of bathrooms has risen in popularity during 2023 with people having more of a focus on their health and wellbeing in recent years. 

“If you want to have a relaxing bathroom that is still modern and chic we advise transforming taps and showers into a matte black colour scheme to enhance its aesthetic.

“It’s also worth looking at backlit mirrors to make your home look like a five-star hotel.”

Here are the top seven bathroom style trends for 2024: 

1. Matte black schemes

A matte black colour scheme can enhance a bathroom’s aesthetic if you’re going for the modern, minimalistic approach. It looks best if taps, handles and shower screens all follow the same smooth black design.

2. Natural and earthy tones

Natural and earthy tones are also set to be popular especially when it comes to tiles. If you’re looking for other ways to incorporate these colours it can be done through a fresh coat of paint or ornaments.

3. Walk-in showers

Walk-in showers can give the bathroom a spa-like appearance by its minimalistic design. Some are choosing to take their shower doors off to create a walk-in experience without having to refit the entire unit. 

4. Backlit mirrors

Backlit mirrors are a sleek and minimalistic design and will give you plenty of light when standing in front of the mirror as opposed to traditional lighting alone.

5. Natural materials

Natural materials such as marble and wood will become increasingly popular as they add a sense of warmth and luxury.

6. Waterfall shower heads

Repositioning the shower head can create the waterfall effect to give a shower a luxury appeal and create a therapeutic experience. 

7. Couple sinks 

The idea of a “Mr and Mrs” sink is a popular design trend in America which has now made its way onto our shores. The two separate sinks can upscale the appearance and create room for personal space.

8. Incorporating nature 

Greenery such as spider plants and panoramic raindrops can breathe new life into the space and make it look more inviting. Windowsills and bathroom sinks are the best places to store them otherwise it can make the space look cluttered.

Transforming a bathroom into a serene and stylish retreat has never been easier, thanks to the advent of wood effect wall panels. These panels not only add an element of natural beauty and warmth but also offer a practical and hassle-free alternative to traditional wall treatments. Here, we explore the top seven wood effect wall panels that promise to elevate your bathroom’s aesthetic while ensuring durability and ease of maintenance.

1. Aquaclad Grey Driftwood (Matt)

• Style Effect: Wood
• Size: 2600x250x8mm
• Colour: Grey

The Aquaclad Grey Driftwood brings a timeless elegance to your shower space. These panels are 100% waterproof and easy to install, requiring no grouting. The realistic wood effect lends a rustic charm, while its low maintenance ensures your bathroom remains pristine with minimal effort.

2. Aquabord White Woodgrain Effect Wall Panels

• Style Effect: Wood
• Size: 2440x1220x2.5mm
• Colour: White

Elevate your bathroom with the Aquabord White Woodgrain Effect panels. These waterproof panels are a perfect blend of style and functionality, adding a rustic yet sophisticated touch. The white woodgrain effect offers an authentic and stylish finish, ensuring your bathroom exudes warmth and elegance.

3. Aquabord Graphite Driftwood

• Style Effect: Wood
• Size: 2440x1220x2.5mm
• Colour: Beige

The Graphite Driftwood panels from Aquabord are a testament to contemporary elegance. These panels are not only waterproof but also add a sophisticated grey wood grain effect to your bathroom. The stylish graphite driftwood effect is versatile, fitting perfectly in various room settings.

4. Aquaclad Driftwood

• Style Effect: Wood
• Size: 2440x1220x2.5mm
• Colour: Grey

Aquaclad Driftwood panels are a perfect solution for those seeking a natural wood effect with the benefits of modern technology. They are 100% waterproof and require no grouting, making installation a breeze. The natural wood effect of these panels is sure to add a rustic and stylish finish to your space.

5. Aquaclad Helsinki

• Style Effect: Wood
• Size: 2600x250x8mm
• Colour: Beige

The Aquaclad Helsinki panels offer a modern and classy touch with their decorative wood effect. These panels are lightweight, 100% waterproof, and come with a 10-year guarantee. The ease of customization around bathroom fixtures ensures a seamless and cohesive design.

6. Aquaclad Quercia Bianco

• Style Effect: Wood
• Size: 2650x250x8mm
• Colour: White

Experience the charm of whitewashed wood with Aquaclad Quercia Bianco. These panels combine the rustic allure of wood with the benefits of modern material, offering a waterproof, low-maintenance solution. The realistic rustic charm of these panels brings a unique and stylish finish to your bathroom.

7. Aquaclad Driftwood Wood Effect Wall Panels

• Style Effect: Wood
• Size: 2600x250x8mm
• Colour: Grey

Aquaclad’s Driftwood Wood Effect panels are an excellent choice for those who appreciate the beauty of driftwood. These waterproof panels are easy to install and maintain, adding a touch of coastal elegance to your bathroom. The authentic driftwood effect creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Conclusion:

Wood effect wall panels are an innovative way to bring the warmth and elegance of wood into your bathroom without the complexities and maintenance of traditional wood. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of driftwood or the sophisticated allure of white woodgrain, there’s a panel to suit every taste and style. With their waterproof properties, easy installation, and low maintenance, these wood effect wall panels are an ideal choice for anyone looking to upgrade their bathroom’s aesthetic and functionality.

Abode, award-winning designer and distributor of market leading kitchen taps & sinks, Pronteau hot water taps, bathroom taps & showering solutions galvanise the UK wet zone with the launch of Synchronist, a new Granite Sink Collection in a range of reversible designs, sizes, finishes and install options with three complementary accessories: a roll-up Drainer Trivet, Stainless Steel Colander and Bamboo Chopping Board.

The complete solution for today’s modern kitchen, Synchronist puts the end user in control of the design process by allowing them to customise their sink arrangement to create a fully synchronised kitchen workstation. Designed to fit any standard size base unit, customers can choose between a large or compact bowl size, which is made of high-quality granite and available in three contemporary finishes: Matt White, Metallic Black and Metallic Grey.

Durable and hardwearing, the new Synchronist granite sink range offers a sleek profile designed with 11mm softened square-edge bowl corners to deliver a premium look that is easy to clean! Available with or without a fully recessed drainer, every model within the collection can be installed undermount or inset and features an innovative slimline rinser with flush plate overflow so homeowners can confidently fill Synchronist to the brim and increase the capacity of the main bowl, pictured left.

Providing huge benefits in a compact space to pour away liquids while washing up, rinse or store a kitchen sponge, the slimline rinser gives all the benefits of a traditional 1.5 bowl combination with a much smaller footprint and double the water capacity!

Offering a comprehensive range of options, the new Synchronist Granite Sink Collection by Abode includes:

Synchronist Compact:  

• 420mm x 460mm without drainer – White AW3170, Metallic Black AW3172 and Metallic Grey AW3171
• 600mm x 460mm with drainer – White AW3175, Metallic Black AW3177 and Metallic Grey AW3176

The Synchronist Compact Sink is the ideal solution when optimising space in the kitchen or utility room, and both sizes are designed to work in tandem with 450mm standard base units so you can enjoy a modern streamlined look, which is in proportion with the rest of your home. The Synchronist Compact Granite Sink is priced at £339 with drainer and £319 without, supplied with a 10-year guarantee.

Synchronist Large:  

• 555mm x 460mm without drainer – White AW3180, Metallic Black AW3177 and Metallic Grey AW3181
• 900mm x 460mm with drainer – White AW3185, Metallic Black AW3187 and Metallic Grey AW3186

Designed to fit any standard 600mm base unit, the Synchronist Large Sink is designed with an impressive 28l capacity, which doubles the volume of water able to be filled in the main bowl. All sink models come with a stainless steel flush plate overflow, orbit waste and all pipework is included. The Synchronist Large Granite Sink is priced at £369 with drainer and £339 without, supplied with a 10-year guarantee.   

Synchronist Accessories:  

• Drainer Trivet roll-up AX2506, £56 including vat
• Stainless Steel Colander AX1508, £84 including vat
• Bamboo Chopping Board AX2024, £49 including vat

Workstation functionality is enhanced by the stylish range of Synchronist Accessories, which are securely held in place on the integrated smart rails and are available to buy individually or set of all three for £189+vat. All accessories are supplied with a 1-year guarantee.     

2 IN 1 installation: inset fixing clips included

• Undermount – installed underneath a worktop (solid surfaces only)
• Inset – top mounted as part of the worktop (suitable for laminate surfaces)

Unlike conventional sink models, a key feature of Synchronist is the absence of a tap deck so customers can opt for either horizontal or vertical orientation while positioning the kitchen taps behind the sink for a truly contemporary aesthetic. Synchronist is also reversible, which means you can position the drainer on the left or right-hand side depending on user preference and available space.

In 4 easy steps, you can synchronise your wet zone with the new Synchronist granite sink range by Abode:

Step 1. Size of sink – compact or large? 

Step 2. With or without a drainer?

Step 3. Preferred finish – white, metallic black or metallic grey?

Step 4. Accessories – trivet, colander, chopping board or all three?

For further information, please contact Abode: t 01226 283 434 | e info@abodedesigns.co.uk | w www.abodedesigns.co.uk and www.pronteau.co.uk | For the latest brand news, please follow Abode on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn #WaterTheWayYouWantIt

Brits are being advised to use baking soda and rice in order to prevent a mould outbreak in their wardrobes this winter.

Fitted wardrobe experts at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk are offering tips on how to prevent a mould problem in wardrobes.

Many households experience mould problems in the winter months due to the contrast of cold temperatures outdoors clashing with indoor warmth.

This creates condensation on windows and walls which results in rooms having high humidity levels.

The excess moisture in the air can get trapped in wardrobe spaces which can cause mould to form on the walls and eventually spread onto clothes.

Regulating the room temperature, spraying white vinegar on the walls and fitting vents into doors can help avoid an outbreak.

Nic Shacklock, from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: “Having a mould outbreak can be devastating to deal with, especially if all of the clothes are ruined beyond repair.

“It’s a common problem to deal with in the winter months as the colder temperatures mixed with the warmth indoors can result in excess moisture in the air.

“We recommend fitting vents into wardrobes to help distribute the airflow and to use items like rice and baking soda to absorb moisture in the air.”

Here’s how to prevent a mould outbreak in wardrobes:

1. Fit vents into the wardrobe

Having vents built into the wardrobe can help distribute the airflow and reduce humidity. Building vents will help improve air circulation and remove any excess moisture which can help fitted wardrobes directly on the back wall.

2. Tidy up the space

Having too many clothes in an enclosed space can limit air circulation and trap moisture. Try to space out your clothes where possible and put the rest in drawers.

3. Regulate room temperature

To prevent a mould outbreak, keep the bedroom temperature between 17 to 19ºC. Mould can easily grow in colder rooms that suffer from high humidity. This can then easily spread throughout the home.

4. Monitor humidity levels

Rooms with high humidity levels are likely to experience mould growth due to the excess moisture in the air. Aim to keep humidity levels between 40 to 60% range to lower the chances of an outbreak.

5. Spray white vinegar

A mixture of white vinegar and distilled white water can help to get rid of mould which has already started to form. Take all of the clothes in the wardrobe, dab some of the solution onto a cloth and then lightly wipe the area in a circular motion for the best results.

6. Ensure all clothes are dry before putting them away

Putting clothes away too quickly after washing can be one of the causes of a mould outbreak. The damp clothes can create excess moisture in the air. Check all sleeves and collars of clothes to ensure there are no wet patches.

7. Use a bowl of baking soda

Baking soda naturally absorbs the excess moisture surrounding it. Place a bowl of it into your wardrobe to prevent a mould outbreak. For best results, remove the clothes and leave the baking soda for around three to four hours.

8. Uncooked rice

A bag of rice can also help reduce humidity in wardrobes with alarming moisture levels in the air.

9. Check for leaks

If the wardrobe is positioned against a wall with the bathroom behind it, there is a chance that a water leak from the shower is the cause of the dampness. In this case, consider calling a professional to help with the problem.

For more on how to prevent a mould breakout in wardrobes, head over to https://www.online-bedrooms.co.uk/be-inspired/prevent-mould-outbreak-wardrobes-winter/

During the winter season, Christmas decorations have become a customary feature in many homes, extending beyond the traditional indoor setup to include outdoor displays. However, when it comes to selling your home, could an excess of festive decorations diminish its property value?

In a survey of 500 people, 60% think Christmas decorations can affect a home’s curb appeal. Almost a quarter (23%) have avoided buying a property due to seasonal decor.

Sharon Hyde, Senior Sales Manager for Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire East unveils the holiday decor trends that might decrease your home’s value. From crowded lights to oversized trees, which Christmas decor trends could hinder a successful sale?

“The holiday season is a thrilling time for decorating your home, and while it’s tempting to go all out, it may not be the wisest decision if you’re selling. Christmas decorations can divert buyers’ attention from your home, potentially leading them to lower their offer or refrain from making an offer at all.“

1. Oversized trees

While bigger Christmas trees may feel more festive, they can take up precious space in your home and make the room they’re in feel cramped. To avoid this, you can opt for a smaller Christmas tree which won’t take up as much space and prevent your rooms from looking small. 

2. Cluttered presents

Save the gifts for Christmas day. Having lots of presents under the tree can make the space feel very cluttered. Remember, until you open your gifts, they’re acting as decoration in your home. One or two gifts under the tree may look tasteful, but filling the floor with presents can look disorganised. 

3. Tinsel 

Tinsel can be one of the most divisive forms of festive decor, being loved and hated in seemingly equal measure. Of 500 people surveyed, a quarter (25%) admitted they had negative or very negative feelings towards tinsel. When selling your home in winter, it’s best to play it safe and avoid this marmite decoration. 

Christmas decorations can bring warmth to your home over the festive season but they can also leave your property looking cheap to potential buyers. When it comes to decoration, less is generally more; you should always opt for quality over quantity. You want any decoration or ornaments to enhance your home, not to distract buyers’ attention. 

4. Poor lighting

The initial impression of your property is formed by its front, the first thing potential buyers encounter. Avoid cluttering the front with excessive Christmas lights, as it can divert a buyer’s attention. In our previous study, two-thirds of homeowners contemplated skipping Christmas lights altogether.

Alternatively, make sure that the inside of your home is well lit. Every winter, more people adopt edison bulbs for their lamps to provide a warmer, dimmer light to give a cosier feeling to their space. When selling, this is a trend to stay clear of. Dim bulbs can make a perfectly good room appear small and dingy. 

5. Clashing colours

If you’ve invested in interior design, ensure your holiday decorations harmonise with your rooms. Christmas colours like red, green, blue, silver, and gold can clash with your existing palette. David Wilson Homes found that over a third of people (35%) felt this trend detracted from a home’s aesthetic. 

Opt for minimal decorations that align with each room, considering colours that complement your furnishings. Gold or silver decorations are versatile and can enhance your home’s existing elements. Ensure all additions are tasteful.

6. Loud displays

Steer clear of overly comical or whimsical decorations. Inflatables on the roof or singing snowmen in the hallway can be distracting, potentially leading to lower offers. According to David Wilson Homes’ survey, 45% of people said that loud displays detracted from a home’s aesthetic, making it the most disliked Christmas decor trend. 

Not only can these decorations be off-putting for buyers, they can also land you in hot water legally. If Christmas displays are too bright or distracting, they may break Statutory Nuisance laws and could land you with a fine of up to £2,500. 

7. Over-personalisation

While festive families might be tempted to adorn their home with personalised stockings and framed photographs of children with Santa, it’s advisable to keep these items stored away during viewings.

Having too many personalised belongings can make it difficult for a buyer to envision themselves living in the space and could result in a lower overall offer. Opt instead for more neutral touches that allow buyers to project themselves onto the space. 

Methodology

We used OnePulse to survey 500 UK adults on their Christmas decoration habits and preferences. Respondents were asked the following:

1. Do you believe that Christmas decorations on a property can affect its curb appeal and overall attractiveness to potential buyers?
2. Have you ever been deterred from considering a property for purchase due to Christmas decorations or seasonal decor?

Brits are being advised to use houseplants to tackle condensation and mould in their homes this winter.

The experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have shared seven plants to place in damp and humid rooms in order to put a stop to condensation and mould appearing.

With temperatures dropping, many will find their windows will begin to steam up on the cold mornings.

When the warm, moist air from inside the home comes into contact with the cold from the window it turns back into a liquid and forms condensation.

Too much condensation can lead to dampness and eventually mould growth which can be much harder to get rid of.

Houseplants are a good way to help alleviate the problem naturally and bring moisture levels down in the air.

Among the plants the experts recommend are easy to look after varieties including spider plants and peace lily and tropical favourites including palms and ferns.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Condensation is a common problem throughout the winter months but too much can be a real issue and lead to mould growth.

“In order to prevent condensation you need to bring down the moisture levels in your home and houseplants are a great natural solution to balance the humidity.

“Some houseplants like the peace lily will absorb moisture through its leaves which will then travel through to their roots.

“Not only will this help you balance the moisture levels in your home, but it will also leave you with some really beautiful houseplants to enjoy too.”

Here are suggestions from GardeningExpress.co.uk on the best plants to help fight mould:

English Ivy

English Ivy removes airborne mould and other nasties too. It grows best in bright, indirect light and needs regular watering. Remember to keep it away from pets – its leaves are toxic to them.

Peace Lily

The peace lily loves the shade and thrives in high humidity so the perfect choice for areas prone to mould.  It absorbs moisture through the air through its leaves and doesn’t need direct sunlight to thrive. This plant has beautiful white flowers but can be toxic to pets so keep it out of their way.

Palms

Palms are a great choice to help control humidity and keep mould at bay, absorbing moisture through their leaves. Varieties to look out for include Areca palms, bamboo palms, the lady palm, dwarf date palm and reed palm.

Boston Fern

The Boston Fern thrives in moist climates and will naturally absorb the air moisture and balance out humidity levels in your home. All it needs to survive in indirect sunlight and regular watering.

Snake Plant

Also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, this hardy and adaptable plant is another mould loving variety. It grows best in bright light but will also grow just fine in low light. They love warm temperatures and require occasional watering.

Orchids

Not only do they look beautiful, orchids also help reduce humidity in the home. They get all their nutrients and moisture from the air around them.

Spider plant

This is a popular indoor plant which is great at removing harmful pollutants in the home. It’s easy to look after too and will need watering around once or twice a week.

Brits are being told of different ways to revamp their garden in the new year to breathe new life into the space.

Green-thumbed experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have shared 24 tips to elevate the garden in 2024.

Many will find that the New Year is a great time to start planning what they want their garden to look like for the year ahead.

Some decide it’s time for them to get their hands dirty by learning to plant flowers or grow their own veggies.

To make it easier to decide what to focus on in the new year, the experts have tallied up 24 jobs that can add value to the space or simply make it healthier for plants to thrive.

Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, said: “New year is the perfect time to take care of the garden and make something of the space.

“Even a simple mow and water schedule will go a long way, as it’ll make the garden healthier and more pleasant to look at, especially as the weather starts to brighten up.

“It’s also a great way to learn how to plant items like flowers and veggies. Some hard work and dedication can go a long way in the garden.

“We’ve come up with 24 ways to elevate the space in 2024 from easy-to-follow tasks to some which may take a few months to master.”

Here are 24 ways to spruce up the garden in 2024:

1. Keep on top of weeding

A tedious, yet necessary task, pulling weeds is a must for every garden owner to prevent plants from dying and the space from looking tarnished.

2. DIY Greenhouse

Building a greenhouse in the garden is a great way to grow veggies without the risk of pests ruining them. It’ll also stand out as a centrepiece in the garden.

3. Prune bushes

Removing the damaged and weakened branches from the bushes can help to improve its health.

4. Create a watering chart

Keeping on top of watering is one of the most essential roles in ensuring plants and flowers survive. Check how often each type needs to be watered and put it in a chart.

5. Plant ahead of the seasons

Knowing which plants and flowers thrive in which seasons will make it easier to ensure their survival. Some may need to be planted as early as January to bloom by Autumn.

6. Learn to compost

Composting can improve your garden soil by making it easier to retain moisture, making plants healthier.

7. Create wildlife habitats

Wildflowers are a great way to attract bees and wasps while placing logs around the garden can welcome toads and frogs.

8. Invest in bird feeders

If you want to attract blue tits and robins into your garden it’s worth investing in bird feeders to hang on the shed or around the trees.

9. Paint the fence

A simple recoat of the garden space can make the space look modern and chic. Blacks and space greys are popular options.

10. Mowing the lawn

While we don’t advise doing the first mow of the year until March, it’s important to keep on top of mowing throughout the year. A simple mow can be the deal breaker in a garden’s survival.

11. Build a DIY bar

A bar in the background can be the perfect job to work on before summer comes around. It could boost the property value depending on size and functionality.

12. Grow veggies

It’s worth growing your own veggies to save money throughout the year. Broccoli, cabbage and leeks are great options to plant in winter.

13. Landscape the space

Landscaping the garden can make it look neat and presentable. It’s great if you want to divide sections of the space, for example, one area for planting and one for garden furniture.

14. Add a water feature

A water feature such as a fountain can enhance a garden’s appearance and give it a modern edge.

15. Build a Koi pond

A Koi pond is a popular feature that many find relaxing to have in their garden as they can watch the array of Japanese koi fish swimming around all day.

16. Make a raised bed

Having a raised bed can make it easier to grow plants or veggies if you’re tight for space in the garden.

17. Plant fruit trees

Lemon and apple trees are great choices to plant in the garden. Make sure to water thoroughly and monitor for any pests.

18. Build a firepit

Building a firepit is the perfect way to entertain guests and will allow you to make the most of the space even in colder climates.

19. Create a sensory garden

A sensory garden is supposed to trigger the five senses to help relax you as you stroll through the space. Keep all five senses in mind, when picking the flowers, plants and objects.

20. Seal any possible entryways

Check around the garden for any loose panels in the fence or any gaps where animals can escape or enter. It’s worth doing this every couple of months.

21. Add outdoor lighting

String lights and heated lamps are modern choices to add to the garden space to make it more appealing to sit and relax in.

22. Place garden mirrors

Adding garden mirrors can create the illusion of a bigger space. They’re also modern choices to enhance a garden’s aesthetic.

23. Hanging plants

Add hanging plants to make the most of the space. They can be hung off the shed or even on trees to spruce up the garden.

24. Add a hammock

If you want to enjoy nature’s finest, adding a hammock can help you to relax, read a book and or enjoy a nap.

For more on how to spruce up the garden for 2024, please visit https://help.gardeningexpress.co.uk/knowledge-base/kickstart-your-garden-with-these-steps/