Sometimes there’s just no getting away from the topic of weather – and how it affects our daily lives. It only seems like yesterday that we were scouring the internet for the best ways to sleep during a heatwave, but now that digging out your trusty trench coat has probably solved the mystery of when does autumn start, you might be wondering how to stop condensation on windows.
And while it might not be your number one priority, Nigel Dawson, senior designer at More Kitchens explains why it’s a good idea to deploy a strategy for the benefit of your health.
8 tips on how to stop condensation on windows
1. Open windows
Unlike in the summer when you open windows to ventilate a room, it’s probably going to be too cold to do that in winter. However, it's good to open a window to let fresh air in when you can, even if only for a short while.
“If your home is suffering from condensation, damp or mould, the best thing you can do is to try and improve the ventilation inside,” advises Adam Pawson, Head of Digital at window supplier Safe Style.
“Try to regularly open windows to allow air to move freely and let moist air escape from the property.”
How do you know if you have condensation issues? Look out for:🪟 Steamy windows💦 Damp walls🏡 Peeling wallpaper⚫️ Black spots of mould on walls👃 A musty smell Read our #ventilation guide to see what causes #condensation & how to control it: https://t.co/TiUgXL4cbe pic.twitter.com/zwqQZ4QoPtJanuary 7, 2023
Simply having the window open allows air to flow outside, rather than settling in and around your house, says Nigel.
Nigel adds: “Likewise, the door of any room using hot water – like a bathroom – should always be closed to stop steamy air from flowing throughout the home.”
2. Use a fan when cooking or showering
Use your bathroom and kitchen extractor fans every time you cook or shower, as both release a lot of moisture into the air. Nigel advises to only do this for 15-20 minutes at a time though – and don’t do it overnight.
“Fans are now an installation requirement in newly built homes to extract old air and expel it out of the home,” he says.
“Older homes do not always come with an extractor fan, but if the room has a window, it isn't essential to have one installed. However, if the room in question doesn’t have a window, a ventilation system should be installed to comply with building regulations.”
3. Adjust your heating
Sudden increases and decreases in temperature can cause condensation on windows, so boiler cover company Hometree suggests keeping your heating on a constant low heat to balance out the air temperature and prevent the frequent switch between hot and cold.
It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that with energy bills increasing, this is a more costly option for getting rid of condensation on windows compared to other solutions, so if you're looking to learn how to save money it may be better to try another one of our tips on how to stop condensation on windows.
4. Hang your washing in well ventilated areas
“Reducing how much moisture is in the air can have a huge impact on tackling condensation dampness,” Adam states.
“Little changes such as having your tumble dryer vented outside and hanging washing in airy spaces, instead of drying it inside warm rooms, can really help to keep the mould at bay.”
However, with the current cost of living crisis not everyone can afford to run a tumble dryer and more people are putting wet washing around their home to dry. Chris Michael, Managing Director of air purification specialists Meaco, advises placing wet items away from walls to prevent the moisture from being trapped, and hanging items individually and with as much space in between them as possible so they will dry more quickly.
“Before you take them out of the washing machine, use a rinse cycle to keep the amount of water left in the clothes to a minimum,” he adds.
5. Make sure your home is well insulated
“If you’re heating and ventilating your home properly and still experiencing things like mould, damp or bad allergies, there may be other factors at play,” says Stephen Hankinson, Managing Director at Electric Radiators Direct, the UK’s leading supplier of energy efficient electric radiators.
“Insulation keeps moisture out of your home by sealing it from the outside. It eliminates cold surfaces where condensation can form, keeping your home warmer and dryer.
“If your home is poorly insulated, then too much moisture may be entering your home – and heating and ventilating may only do so much.”
According to Stephen, there are several ways to recognise if your home needs better insulation. For example, a good indicator is if your home gets cold immediately after you turn off the heating, as this probably means the heat is escaping too quickly.
“If you notice your top floor is extremely draughty, then you might benefit from loft insulation. If the colder rooms in your home are outward facing, then you may want to look into wall insulation,” Stephen recommends.
Faulty seals on window and door frames can also allow too much outside moisture in. Draught excluder tape for windows or fabric draught excluders for the bottoms of your doors may help, he adds.
Adam agrees – the key to preventing condensation is making sure your house is well insulated. Although it is a big investment, insulation may be worth it if you are worried about black mould.
“Double glazing, wall insulation and draught-proofing will help to reduce the amount of heat that is lost from your home,” says Adam.
“Having well installed, energy-efficient windows will help to keep your property's temperature high, which can have a massive impact on condensation and mould growth.”
6. Try anti-condensation paint
Frantically searching what can I put on my windows to stop condensation? Damp-proofing specialists at Permagard explain that anti-condensation paint is able to prevent moisture from forming on surfaces, and are usually designed to repel water as well as provide some thermal insulation.
It does this by raising the surface temperature of the internal walls with a number of tiny hollow glass beads that reflect thermal energy away from the walls.
They add: "By effectively repelling warm air back into the room, the paint prevents moisture from forming on the walls and causing damp issues and mould growth."
You can buy anti-condensation paint on Permagard's website as well as at home improvement stores.
7. Try one of these viral hacks
Whenever you need help with a problem, chances are you’re probably turning to social media for some advice.
As temperatures can drop dramatically in the depths of winter, many are quick to share their tried-and-tested home remedies to stop condensation on windows over the internet.
There are two hacks in particular that have seen praise, and both include household items that are both cheap and probably already have in the cupboard: washing up liquid and salt.
‘Queen of Clean’ and This Morning's very own homecare expert Lynsey Crombie shared the first hack via her TikTok.
In the caption, Lynsey explains: “To prevent condensation on your windows this time of year just simply rub a tiny drop of neat washing up liquid using a dry cloth all over the affected windows.”
She added: “This will stop the condensation leaving you with dry windows in the morning.”
Another hack involves putting a small bowl of salt on the windowsill to draw in the damp, and was recommended by fans of home cleaning influencer Mrs Hinch via the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page.
This works because salt has absorption properties and therefore can draw in moisture from the air, meaning there will be much less condensation on your windows.
8. Buy a dehumidifier
One of the most effective ways to prevent condensation on windows is by using a dehumidifier. By taking moisture out of the air in your home, they reduce condensation and are often also able to relieve allergy symptoms and make breathing easier.
“Look for dehumidifiers that have a dedicated laundry mode where the machine runs up to six hours before switching itself off to save energy,” Meaco’s Chris advises.
“For further energy savings, look for mode