As we head into winter, condensation forming on windows will become more and more common.
This happens when the cold temperatures of outside clashes with the warm temperature inside. This causes water droplets to form on cold surfaces – such as windows. If you live somewhere with poor ventilation you will likely see this form in the mornings – especially in bedrooms due to moisture from your breathing.
While making sure your home has adequate ventilation would be the smartest move, this can be costly and take time to organise. But there are quicker, more cost-effective tricks you can do to reduce condensation in the meantime. This is important, because if left untreated, condensation can cause damage to properties and even mould – which can cause further health issues.
In a recent TikTok video, MK Property, a company which covers Milton Keynes and Newport Pagnell, shared their tops tips to reduce condensation in the cold months. One of the tricks involves using your curtains as a way to keep the heat inside the room, while also preventing condensation from forming in the first place.
MK Property recommends hanging “thick, heavy lined curtains during the winter to keep the room warm”. Once you’ve got heavy curtains keeping the heat inside, you can “open window trickle vents during the day or when going out, or open windows for at least 10 minutes a day”.
It’s important to remember you do have to let air in, or you risk trapping moisture against the window due to the heavy curtains.
You can also try to tackle certain behaviours which creature more moisture indoors. Housing association Greatwell Homes advise people to refrain from drying clothes indoors or on radiators, as this can create more moisture. Instead, you should make use of any cold, dry days and dry clothes outdoors.
Employing an extractor hood when cooking can help prevent condensation, as trickling water on pots helps prevent excess moisture from escaping. Residents are advised to keep their trickle vents in windows open and wipe down walls post-shower to stop mould in its tracks.
After cooking or taking a shower, activating extractor fans for about 15-30 minutes is also recommended to diminish moisture levels. For those seeking budget-friendly options to combat dampness, moisture/dehumidifier bags are available for just over £1 each on sites like Amazon and could be an effective solution.