The common household item that could be killing your WiFi connection

Are you constantly waiting for your internet to load when nothing seems to be wrong with your Wi-Fi router? You’re not alone.

But what you may not know is that there’s something within your home which could be sucking the life out of your speeds, and it’s not anything electrical.

Forget microwaves, TVs or gaming consoles.

This little-known household object is something you’ll never expect to be wreaking havoc on your internet.

A Wi-Fi booster could be an option if your speeds are always low. (Getty Stock Images)

The problem is something that’s oh-so stylish, and pretty essential for this day and age.

It’s the mirror.

Now, this isn’t some conspiracy. It really is something that could be interfering with your hub, according to Virgin Media O2.

We’re not talking about pocket mirrors here, it’s those large wall mirrors that you use every day to check your outfit and hair before leaving the house.

Why? It's all because it’s made up of a thin coat of metal.

If you keep your router anywhere near your mirror, make sure it’s at least one meter away to avoid potential issues.

The provider polled 2,000 adults to figure out whether they knew where they should put their Wi-Fi box, and you’ll probably guess where the locations were.

41 percent of those polled admitted to keeping it next to their TV or even behind it, 12 percent left it on the floor (excuse me?) and six percent popped the box underneath their beds.

Now, that’s a strange place.

Your home mirror might be causing your router problems. (Getty Stock Images)

However, 45 percent agreed that they would go as far as to rearrange their homes to create a better path for Wi-Fi signal.

According to the provider, who spoke to The Sun, the best tip to improve your connection is to make sure that you can see it where it’s needed the most.

Gareth Lister, Director of Connectivity at Virgin Media O2 said: "Broadband is an essential part of everyday life.

"Whether working from home, doing an online shop, or catching up on that must-watch series, connectivity sits at the heart of it all.

"Yet being conscious of where to place your router is something that often gets overlooked."

Lister has previously offered Wi-Fi tips, saying: "Similar to a mobile phone or a hub, avoid putting your pod in direct sunlight.”

This means avoiding windowsills, as it puts it at risk of overheating.

Topics: Technology, Home

Britt Jones