BARGAIN hunters are rushing to Aldi to snap up a bargain that not only brightens up the home but also helps fight condensation and mould.
Shoppers have been raving about the supermarket’s Peace Lily plant, which comes in a choice of coloured pots.
One thrilled customer posted online: “Peace Lily £5.50 at Aldi few different colours of pot, think there was a green and something else but bargain for the price.”
Peace Lilies are known for soaking up excess moisture in the air, acting as a natural dehumidifier.
Experts say they thrive in damp conditions and can even grow under fluorescent lighting, making them perfect for humid corners of the home where mould might otherwise creep in.
Kept in low light, the plant grows lush green leaves.
But when placed in brighter areas, it produces its striking white flowers.
Alongside improving air quality, the plant can help ease allergy and asthma symptoms.
However, pet owners are warned to be cautious as the white flowering Peace Lily can be toxic to cats and dogs, so it should be kept out of reach.
Shoppers have said they have purchased the plant in Aldi stores, however it is no longer available for purchase online, so you’ll have to visit your local store to hunt it down.
Its always worth calling up ahead and checking they have it in stock before making the trip.
An Aldi spokesperson said: “Our peace lilies were making a guest appearance as a Specialbuy, which means that they are only available while stocks last.”
Sainsbury’s also sell a Peace Lily plant for £4, which is even cheaper than Aldi.
Other green heroes
For those wanting a different option, palms are another natural moisture absorber.
Varieties such as the areca palm, bamboo palm, lady palm and reed palm are all effective at reducing condensation.
But while Aldi’s Peace Lily is just £5.50, palms typically cost far more, with prices starting around £30 online.
Spider plants are another alternative.
These trailing, easy-care plants are excellent at purifying the air of mould and mildew, while also being completely pet-friendly.
A wide range is available online, including one spotted on Amazon for £12.99 with a pot included.
For those who prefer a non-green solution, there are plenty of clever hacks to keep windows dry and walls mould-free.
Aneesa Khan, interiors expert at VonHaus, previously told The Sun: “We’ve all been there – waking up on a cold morning, pulling back the curtains and being greeted by water on your windows.
“This is one of those small annoyances of daily life. If left unchecked, condensation could lead to bigger problems, such as damaged paintwork or the growth of mould.”
That black fuzz, she warned, is not just unsightly but can trigger respiratory conditions, skin rashes and worsen asthma.
Among the low-cost tricks she recommends are:
- Bowl of rock salt – A simple bowl of salt can soak up excess water. Ordinary table salt works, but industrial rock salt is stronger. A 15kg bag costs around £8 on Amazon.
- Cat litter in a sock – Silica gel-based cat litter, sold for as little as £3.49 at Wilko, can absorb moisture. Popped into an old sock or bag, it works well on windowsills.
- Chalk and clove oil – Chalk naturally absorbs damp and clove oil can kill mould spores. Boots sells 10ml bottles of clove oil for just £2.99.
- Shaving foam – A thin layer rubbed on glass prevents water droplets forming. Washing-up liquid can work in the same way.
When to call in the big guns
While these DIY tricks can work, they won’t fix persistent damp. Aneesa said: “These low-cost tricks are worth a try, but if you want to address the root cause of the problem it’s worth thinking about investing in a more reliable solution.”
That’s where a dehumidifier comes in.
Compact models can now be picked up for under £35, and they don’t just fight mould, they can also speed up drying clothes, help paint cure evenly, and protect items in storage from damp and mildew.
With professional mould removal costing as much as £300 per room and severe cases running to £1,200 for an entire property, investing in a dehumidifier could be a money-saver in the long run.
With condensation and mould on the rise as colder, wetter weather sets in, Aldi’s £5.50 Peace Lily offers a cheap, stylish and effective way to fight back.
For those who aren’t plant fans, low-cost home hacks and small appliances could provide the backup needed to keep damp at bay this winter.
What is mould and how to get rid of it?
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.
“That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.
“This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.
“If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there’s not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.
“This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.
“If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.
“The key to tackle mould is to act fast.
“Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.
“The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.
“If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”