Although it's easy to assume summer sales are the time to nab garden or outdoor bargains, I like to look at them in a slightly different way. Instead I like to stock up on those items I know I'll wish I had when the weather gets colder.
The benefit of this approach? You'll pay less for them than in winter when they're considered a premium product, and also won't face the prospect of finding empty shelves as everyone else stocks up on them too.
My top buys? Anything that helps with mould, condensation and energy efficiency are a must, which is why I've got these items sat ready and waiting in my Amazon basket for when the sale kicks off on Tuesday 8 July.
1. Mould busters
We all know what mould it is, we all hate it, but if you live in an older property that lacks insulation or proper ventilation, there's a chance it still pays you a visit every winter.
Whether it's walls, ceilings or different types of bathroom mould, it has an unfortunate way of creeping up on you when you're least prepared, which is why I'm determined to be ready and waiting this winter with the following products stocked up in my utility room.
I know the cause of my mould build up, but if you don't and suspect it could be a bigger issue, make sure you call in an expert to rule out any underlying problems with damp.
Dettol Mould Remover, Multipack of 3
Ideal for homes with more than one bathroom so you can keep one in each room and blast the mould as soon as it appears. Its strong, no wipe formula has never let me down yet
If mould has already taken hold, spray on some mould cleaner, let it sit for a while and then use this brush to get into all the tricky nooks and crannies
Spontex Microfibre Cloths for Cleaning
I've tried other brands but find these last the longest and give the best smear free finish on glass and shiny surfaces
2. Condensation collectors
If you do struggle with mould, you'll know one of the main causes of this is condensation that builds up and isn't removed. My single glazed windows are constantly covered with window condensation during the winter months, and while I've got the MeacoDry ABC 12l dehumidifier in my bedroom, I need to get another one for my younger son's room.
My current window vacuum is also too big to use on the individual panes of my sash windows, so I need one with a smaller head, and I've also decided to put a product in place I remember seeing on the window when I was a child – condensation strips. My eldest son won't be around much over the winter, so I'll pop those in his bedroom as I won't need to have a dehumidifier running, but some condensation may build up.
Pro Breeze® 20l Omnidry Wifi Dehumidifier
This dehumidifier comes with a smart app which means my son is more likely to use it or I can control it from another room
Kärcher Window Vac Wv 2 Plus N,
This Karcher window vac comes with two blades, including a narrow one for hard to reach areas
Sol 4pk Condensation Drip Strip
Use these strips on your windowsills or inside frames where condensation builts. They also claim to reduce noise as an added bonus
3. Draught defenders
My apartment is far from airtight. While it was renovated well, it's a listed building so there were restrictions on changing windows. The front door is also old and made of solid wood, so tends to shrink and swell as the seasons change.
This year, instead of moaning about how cold the entrance is, I'm stocking up on draught excluder for the door and thinking of adding a large curtain and fitting a stair runner to warm the area up in general. There's no heating as it's a street level entrance and you have to walk up stairs to get to the main living areas. But, putting some simple draughtproofing measures in place will help during the colder winter months.
Afaxinrie Door Draft Excluder
This brush seal should help reduce the gap between the door and frame to give a snug fit and stop the wind from whistling in
Luna Grey Stair Carpet Herringbone
I'm loving the classic simplicity of this grey herringbone stair runner which will warm up my entrance and make the wooden stairs less noisy
Panovous Insulated Door Curtain
Available in a range of sizes, this heavy-duty thermal insulated door curtain has a thick cotton lining to block drafts, retain warmth, and reduce noise
Think stocking up on some of these items might be a sensible idea? Check out some of our reviews on similar items, such as the Pro Breeze 20L Dehumidifier which our user tested with great results. Or, if you're not keen on my choice of stair runner, try these stair runner ideas instead.
