Condensation is one of the most common and persistent household nuisances, often first appearing as misty windows or small puddles of water on cool surfaces. However, it is more than just an unsightly annoyance. The underlying issue is a buildup of unventilated humidity, which can pose a risk to your home’s structural integrity.
George Edwards, Managing Director of property care specialists Timberwise, said: “Put simply, condensation is a problem caused by humid air created in a property which is not safely ventilated.” The moisture within this warm air turns into a gas, which then reverts to its original liquid form when it encounters a cool surface, such as a window, wall, or shelf.
If this trapped moisture is not safely removed from the property, it can lead to far more severe issues than just damp windowsills. George warns that a lack of adequate ventilation “can lead to potentially harmful damp and mould issues”. The good news is that tackling the issue often doesn’t require drastic or costly home renovations.
“The key starting point is understanding the causes of condensation in your home or property,” said George.
Once you’ve done that, there are several surefire ways to combat the issue, often through simple, everyday adjustments.
1. Keep furniture away from external walls
Even if you tackle the moisture in the air, you can still face mould growth if pockets of humid air get trapped.
Keeping a small gap between large pieces of furniture and cold external walls is crucial. This small gap improves air circulation, preventing moisture from becoming trapped in dark, cool corners, which are the most common spots for mould growth to begin, said George.
2. Ventilate your home
Everyone knows that opening windows won’t eliminate mould, but proper ventilation is the single most effective way to address the root cause of condensation. This is because the core problem is humid air that cannot escape.
You should ensure windows are opened regularly, especially in moisture-heavy rooms like bathrooms and kitchens, where steam from washing and cooking is common, said the property expert.
Trickle vents, which are small vents built into modern window frames, or extractor fans, are one of the most effective ways to let moist air escape.
3. Avoid drying clothes indoors
Drying laundry indoors is one of the biggest hidden sources of excess moisture in a home. Radiators or drying racks release a substantial amount of water vapour directly into your internal air.
It is advised to avoid drying clothes indoors on radiators wherever possible, said George. If you cannot dry clothes outdoors or use a tumble dryer, the advice is to use a dehumidifier or place the drying rack in a dedicated, well-ventilated room to minimise moisture spread.
4. Use your heating properly
Sudden and drastic changes in internal temperature are a major catalyst for condensation.
When the heating switches off, surfaces can cool down quickly, increasing the chance of warm, moist air condensing.
George suggested that to combat this, you should aim to keep your heating on at a lower, consistent temperature. This practice helps keep surfaces above the dew point, reducing the risk of moisture settling.
5. Use condensation bags
While not a permanent fix, condensation bags or moisture absorbers can play a valuable, temporary role. These bags can help reduce the visible moisture near windows and prevent water beading.
However, George stresses that this is not a long-lasting solution: “A permanent fix needs to consider both where the moisture is being created and how it’s being removed.”
They must always be paired with proper ventilation and moisture reduction practices.