AS the cold weather sets in and the heating goes on, people everywhere are starting to struggle with condensation.
And while there are a variety of tips and tricks you can try to keep your windows dry, there’s also something you can avoid too.
One Mrs Hinch fan took to Facebook to ask for advice on keeping condensation at bay, writing: “Another year, another condensation season!
“I’m so tired of wiping down these windows every morning.
“Anyone else feeling the same? Any tips to prevent condensation?”
They also revealed that they “open these windows for about 3 hours each day”.
And among the responses they got was from a person who admitted that ditching a household staple had helped reduce the amount of condensation they were experiencing.
“I got rid of all net curtains as they were awful for trapping condensation,” they wrote.
“I changed everything to blinds which I pull up over night – that’s make a difference on how much condensation there is.”
Others in the comments section shared their own suggestions for dealing with condensation.
By far the most popular suggestion was to invest in a dehumidifier.
“Dehumidifier all the way, they can cost a couple hundred but they’re absolutely worth it,” one wrote.
“My son barely uses his asthma pump since I got mine.”
“Invest in a meaco dehumidifier,” another agreed.
“Best purchase I’ve ever made, no more condensation, no more mould and even has a clothes drying mode which I use for items I don’t like to go in a dryer.”
“I use the unibond dehumidifier and the pack of refills,” a third wrote.
“Since getting them I have no condensation in our windows.”
“We got a dehumidifier 2 years ago and now never wake up with this on the windows!” someone else said.
“It also dries our washing too.”
Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the chance of mould growing in homes.
Leaving wet towels and bathmats on floor
Wet towels and bathmats on the floors after a shower or bath can increase humidity levels which provides a perfect breeding ground for mould spores.
To prevent this, hang towels and bathmats in an area where they can dry quickly and to wash them regularly.
Not turning on the fan
An exhaust fan is critical in reducing moisture levels in the bathroom.
When taking a hot shower or bath, steam increases the room’s humidity level, creating an ideal setting for mould to flourish on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the risk of mould growth.
Experts suggest running the fan during the shower and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to lower humidity levels.
Ignoring small leaks
Even minor leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, fostering an environment where mould can thrive.
Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mould growth in less visible areas such as inside walls or under flooring.
Fix leaks promptly to prevent mould and potential structural damage.
Keeping shower curtains or doors closed
Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, delaying the drying process and creating a humid environment conducive to mould growth.
Mould can easily develop on shower curtains, doors, and in tile grout if they remain wet for too long.
To avoid this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and allow the area to dry more quickly.
Storing too many products
Shower caddies and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow and trap moisture and creates hidden, moist niches where mould can grow unnoticed.
Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum, and regularly clean and dry the areas underneath them to prevent mould growing.
While others rely on hacks they’ve seen online which they’ve tried themselves and found to be successful.
“I put a small tupperware dish minus the lid with table salt at each window,” one wrote.
“Works wonders and helps to stop mould.”
“Washing up liquid on the windows helps massively,” another said.
As a third commented: “Put news paper on sills, it really helps.
“And hang damp catchers in each room.”
Another, completely free, solution that people were quick to suggest was opening the windows as much as possible.
“I open my small top window the tiniest bit and close the handle so the window is still technically closed but it’s open the slightest amount in every room,” one wrote.
“This helps keep the airflow throughout the house, but when it’s cold you don’t even notice because it’s such a small opening!
“This has really helped us.”
“You need air coming in and then it won’t condensate,” another pointed out.
“I just open my windows and leave them open most of the year round,” a third said.
“I just leave my windows cracked open a little,” another agreed.
“Helps keep air circulating, stops condensation and fresh air can help you sleep better too.”
As well as a dehumidifier, another appliance that got the seal of approval by many people in the comments section was a window vac.
“I use a window vac,” one said.
“I had to replace my back windows over a year ago and we changed to triple glazed – they get no condensation on them.”
“A window vac is a game changer, literally takes minutes to clear in a morning,” another said.
While a third commented: “I use a Karcher window vac – they’re brilliant and make life so much easier.”
