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Tackling those common household problems 

It's natural for us to take a lot of pride over our homes, but just like anything else, properties also suffer from general wear and tear.

Here, we look at some of the common household problems that may arise as a result of something as simple as a change in weather. We also suggest the products and solutions that could tackle them. Appliance Warehouse, for example, has a generous desiccant dehumidifier range. For more info, click here

Mould

Of the many good reasons to invest in a dehumidifier for your home, the growth of mould on your home's walls is a very good one. Mould can easily occur in humid homes, which is why this means of reducing excess moisture in the air can be especially appreciated. A dehumidifier can also make a great purchase for family members with asthma or allergies.

Peeling paint

Humidity can also be to blame for the paint on the walls of your home starting to peel or flake off, with other potential causes including insufficient ventilation and a simple failure to apply the paint properly. Once you have scraped the paint off the offending area of wall, you can make it smooth again with fine grit wallpaper.

This can be followed, in the event of dirt having gathered in the area, by gently cleaning it with a sponge and warm soapy water before dabbing it dry with a cloth.

Blocked drains

Few of us like a blocked drain... after all, they look terrible and are, more often than not, accompanied by a horrid smell. To combat this problem, you could first try to wash away whatever is causing the blockage in the drain by pouring boiling hot water down it.

If this isn't effective, you might want to consider the more direct approach of a plunger... or eve caustic soda, as long as you also wear protective goggles and gloves to protect yourself against its corrosiveness.

Pests

Whether they're ants, bedbugs, fleas, rats or mice, pests are - as is indicated by the name - more than unwelcome. The possibility of the house becoming infested with bigger pests causes a great deal of stress among many people, but even if it comes to pass, your local council may be able to offer an affordable pest control service.

Of the various smaller pests that may invade, bedbugs can be killed instantly with rubbing alcohol, while a line of chalk can hinder the movement of ants around your home.