Brits are praising an inspired method to fight condensation using cheap store cupboard ingredients.
As Arctic blasts sweep the UK, soaking windows are an increasingly common, and unwelcome, sight in the mornings.
The water droplets appear when warm air from inside hits the glass – which becomes colder as temperatures drop outside.
Over time, the seemingly minor puddles can lead to mould, which is both unsightly and dangerous for your health. The excessive moisture also promotes the arrival of certain species of house dust mites, bacteria and viruses.
This can cause respiratory issues ranging from shortness of breath to worsening asthma and allergies, and even airway infections.
But as the cost-of-living crisis forces people to shun traditional, energy-intensive solutions like electric dehumidifiers, savvy households have found alternative ways to keep condensation at bay on a budget.
Cleaning influencer Nazia x Home has shared a hack to absorb moisture around windows for as little as 65p, which fans have hailed as “game changing”.
In a TikTok video that has racked up millions of views, the domestic goddess instructs her followers to fill a bowl with standard table salt, which can be found in most pantries or purchased from ASDA for 65p.
Salt naturally absorbs water, so by placing the bowl next on a windowsill near the affected area, the contents will soak up the moisture in the air and on the glass.
Fans took to the comments to rave about the results of the technique, with one exclaiming: “My nanna has salt bowls everywhere it’s a game changer.”
Another wrote: “I’ve dotted them around my home, definitely helped a bit”, while a third simply exclaimed “witchcraft!”
Some users also recommend swapping out salt for other absorbent pantry items. One common suggestion was baking soda, which is another natural moisture absorber.
Coming in at 59p per tub, the cooking staple is extremely affordable, and “works wonders” on banishing condensation, according to Ideal Home.
As both salt and baking soda absorb unwelcome moisture over time, they will gradually harden into a solid paste. When this happens, replace the bowls with fresh product to keep the hack working effectively.
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