I’ve found the perfect hack for condensation-free windows in the morning (Image: Nicola Roy)
There’s no denying that we’ve been catapulted headfirst into autumn. It’s gotten pretty cold and miserable over the last few weeks here in the UK, prompting many of us to reach for the boiler and switch on our central heating.
However, one issue with this time of year is that the conditions indoors can mean waking up in the morning with condensation all over the windows. Eventually, if it’s left for too long, this can lead to unfortunate mould spores appearing on your walls and ceilings. Something I’ve never actually had to deal with, thanks to an ultra-simple two-second task I do every day without even thinking about it.
One of the most popular ways to reduce condensation and mould at home is to invest in a dehumidifier. These handy gadgets essentially suck any moisture out of the air and store it in a small compartment that you empty out every so often.
A lot of people rave about these, especially when it comes to drying laundry indoors during winter – which is truly an absolute nightmare and makes me wish I had a tumble dryer.
However, I’ve never owned a dehumidifier, and I don’t see myself buying one this winter either. It’s hard time financially for a lot of people, so thankfully my top tip is completely free to do.
How I keep my bedroom mould-free
The simple and quick hack I use which has kept my bedroom mould-free for years is literally just opening the windows every day. It sounds so self-explanatory, but it’s genuinely worked so well for me, as I’ve never had to deal with mould for as long as I’ve lived in my flat.
Ventilation is absolutely crucial all year round, but especially during the autumn and winter months in the UK. Mould thrives during this time of the year because it needs warm, damp and dark conditions to survive, and when we have the heating on at home with no air getting in, it’s ideal for mould.
However, something as simple as opening the windows every day has been enough for me to completely banish it from my home – even though it might feel unbearable when it’s already pretty cold outside, it’s worth it.
Opening your window for as little as five minutes a day works wonders at reducing mould (Image: Nicola Roy)
I don’t think it really matters what time of the day you do this at, but I always do it in the morning. Not only is this hack great for preventing condensation and mould, it’s also just nice to let some fresh air into the bedroom first thing, and you truly can’t beat the smell of a crisp autumnal morning.
You don’t have to leave it open for very long either, which is perfect now that it’s genuinely starting to get cold.
If I do a load of laundry during the day, I’ll also open both windows wide and position the drying rack in between them to help dry the laundry without contributing to a potential mould problem.
This is when things can start to get really cold, so if I’m working or chilling at home, I’ll simply keep the bedroom door firmly closed for however long I can stand it.
Black mould can run rampant during winter if you don’t take the right precautions now (Image: Getty)
Another simple yet effective task I always do, similarly, is making sure I keep the curtains open all day. This allows the natural daylight to keep the glass warm (ish) without allowing condensation to settle on it, which we all know leads to mould if it’s not dealt with.
And keeping the trickle vents at the top of the windows open at all times is also essential. This lets air slip in all day long without being too noticeable – the perfect hack for winter.
Althought it sounds like the most obvious thing in the world, these tips are vital for preventing mould running rampant during winter. And by starting right now, you’ll thank yourself when we’re even deeper into the colder months.
