Condensation occurs when warm, moist air collides with cold surfaces, such as windows. The difference between the temperatures cools the air, releasing water vapour, which then causes water droplets to form on your window. Some of the most common causes of condensation include poor ventilation and too much humidity indoors, which can be caused by activities such as showering and cooking. With the weather getting cooler and the days getting shorter, it’s likely you’ll notice condensation forming on your windows and surfaces more frequently.
Condensation tends to be more common in the cooler months because surfaces tend to be colder, and cold air holds less moisture. Preventing condensation from forming can be difficult, with most experts advising households to open their windows to improve ventilation.
However, opening windows periodically for 20 minutes or more every day, even in freezing temperatures, isn’t ideal.
With this in mind, fans of cleaning and household hack sensation Mrs Hinch have shared their go-to method—and it’s so simple. Rather than cracking open a window, they suggest rubbing washing-up liquid on the inside of the window.
The unusual hack came to light after Tina Davies asked for advice to prevent condensation from forming on the inside of her windows. The Facebook post appeared on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips group and received hundreds of responses.
Deborah Lole wrote: “My sister always wipes Fairy liquid around the edges of the sills and has no condensation. Haven’t tried it myself.”
Layla Griffiths commented on the post: “Wash the inside and out with neat fairy liquid and wipe off with a dry cloth.”
Jay Mc responded to the post: “A little bit of washing up liquid on a cloth, wipe all over the window and it should keep it clear.”
Yvonne Evison said: “You need ventilation. A dehumidifier. But if money is tight, I used to put washing up liquid on cloth or paper and smear it all over window. It sounds strange, I know, but it really works. It can last days to a couple of weeks, all depending. But try it.”
The washing-up liquid creates a barrier that can stop the condensation from forming on windows.
How to use washing-up liquid to stop condensation on windows
1. Apply a small amount of washing-up liquid to the window using a clean, dry microfibre cloth.
2. Next, rub the cloth over the window pane and frames to create the barrier.
3. Buff the window with another dry cloth to ensure there is no residue left.
Some experts have suggested that this hack can damage the rubber seals around windows, which could cause double glazing to fail.
If you don’t want to try this hack, Mrs Hinch fans also suggested investing in a dehumidifier, putting cat litter in a sock and leaving it on your windowsill, or leaving your window slightly ajar.
