A cleaning fan has shown off a simple technique she uses to stop the build up of condensation on her windows.
Condensation can happen for many reasons, but if it’s left untreated, it can lead to the development of mould.
Georgia, who goes by Clean with Georgia, expressed her frustration with the excess water appearing on her windows.
In a recent TikTok, she tested out a hack which simply uses washing up liquid.
In her video, Georgia said: “So I’ve only just discovered this hack that prevents condensation from building up. I always feel like the last person to know about things like this.
“All you have to do is use a little bit of washing up liquid – like where have I been? Did I miss some window cleaning lesson at school?”
To complete the hack, she explained: “You want to use a microfibre cloth for this, really get into those bits that build up the most.”
Simply add a splash of washing up liquid to the cloth and wipe all over the window and into any bits where condensation builds up. The idea is that it can create a film to spot moisture.
GLRE Glazing Refurbishment suggested that washing up liquid will work as a temporary solution.
Its experts explained that the hack works by creating a thin film that lowers surface tension and prevents water droplets from forming on a cold surface.
However GLRE warned: “Remember, it’s a temporary solution and may not completely stop condensation, especially on colder days. It’s best applied to the bottom of the windows where condensation tends to accumulate the most.”
Georgia’s video has been viewed over 98,600 times, as a number of people suggested their own tips for getting rid of window mould.
One person said: “Just open windows for 30 mins everyday, get the air moving, and use an extractor fan when cooking and don’t dry clothes inside on radiators.”
Shell wrote: “I tried the fairy liquid trick but didn’t work as good as using shaving foam, doesn’t even allow bathroom windows to steam up when a bath or shower is being used.”
However, some people did warn against Georgia’s hack, with Gemma saying: “Don’t do this,get a humidifier. If it’s not on the windows it will be in your walls etc. It’s why this isn’t taught.”
Kevin agreed: “Be careful , your damp will relocate to the walls, use a dehumidifier.”
While some experts agree that a small amount of washing up liquid can be used as a temporary solution to condensation, some have warned against it.
Emily Barron, a cleaning expert at Property Rescue, advised against the hack as it could do more harm than good.
She told The Metro: “The use of Fairy Liquid can actually worsen condensation problems and leave a soapy residue on surfaces. This can act as a barrier and trap moisture on surfaces instead of allowing it to evaporate.
“Surfaces may not be designed for long-term exposure to Fairy Liquid either, which means it could impact their overall condition and aesthetics.”
Instead, Emily suggested filling socks with cat litter and placing them by the window. The cat litter can then absorb excess moisture.
Permagard suggested some small day-to-day changes that people can do to help prevent condensation.
This includes limiting the amount of moisture in the air, these can include:
- covering pans when cooking
- taking quicker showers
- avoiding drying your clothes indoors, particularly on radiators
- opening windows, in particular at opposite sides of the house to allow for cross ventilation
- always using an extractor fan (if you have one) when cooking
