WITH autumn finally here, that means two very annoying things – our homes are colder and our windows are wetter.
So if you’re currently battling to banish the condensation on your windows, then fear not, we’ve got you covered.
Windows often serve as condensation hot spots, even in homes fitted with double or triple glazing.
According to cleaning enthusiasts, you can use a 80p buy from Poundland to ensure your windows are dry and mould free in no time at all.
It comes after Kymberley Folliard reached out to a Mrs Hinch group on Facebook, asking: “Window condensation. How do you all manage to wake up every morning without it?
“It’s on every window at the front of my house and it’s quite bad.”
One user advised: “We’ve had this recently and I’ve found leaving windows on the latch all the time really helps.
“We’ve also bought some of the small dehumidifiers and have sat them on the windowsills.”
Whilst a second added: “£1 or £2 dehumidifiers work a treat!
“I had this problem every morning without fail in my two-bedroom apartment and put one of them on every windowsill and it never came back again.”
If you fancy getting your hands on a small crystal dehumidifier for your home, there are plenty of brands to choose from.
Whilst large dehumidifiers can turn out to be quite pricey, the small ones can be found in Poundland for only 80p, at Asda for £1.25 and at The Range for just £1.49.
Damp crystals are typically made from calcium chloride which attracts moisture in the air.
Crystal damp removers for the home are usually sat atop an empty plastic chamber space and are concealed by a lid, with a separate compartment at the top for the crystals and a space at the bottom for the damp/water to pool into.
As the crystals are exposed to the damp air, they draw the moisture from it which pools into the empty chamber below the crystals.
As the chamber is concealed, the moisture cannot escape and be re-released into the air.
Therefore they help reduce the overall moisture in the air and prevent the onset of damp issues such as condensation.
Another member of the cleaning group said: “I had this problem in a house and someone gave me this tip and it works!
“Put a tiny drop of washing-up liquid onto a cloth and rub over the condensation, after a few minutes it disappears.”
Ventilation is also important to reduce condensation build up.
Open windows or trickle vents to allow humid air to circulate and cool fresh air in.
You can also open windows while cooking to reduce trapped steam, or whilst showering.
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.
“That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.
“This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.
“If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there’s not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.
“This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.
“If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.
“The key to tackle mould is to act fast.
“Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.
“The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.
“If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”
