As the winter chill begins to bite, many of us start to see a familiar sight in our homes – condensation on our windows. People have been sharing their hacks to get rid of condensation, including house plants to reduce moisture in the air and a clever gadget that removes water from windows.
This phenomenon is particularly noticeable on bedroom windows, which can often be the only ones in the house to be coated with moisture first thing in the morning.
A property aficionado, known as @thatpropertyguy on TikTok, explains this common occurrence in one of his videos. He reveals that the condensation we see on our bedroom windows is largely due to the moisture from our breath condensing on the cold window surface overnight. This effect is amplified if you keep your bedroom door shut, trapping the excess moisture inside.
He suggests two straightforward solutions: opening the window or using a dehumidifier. By opening your window, you allow the moist air to escape outside, thereby reducing the amount of condensation that forms on your window.
On the other hand, a dehumidifier works by drawing warm air currents into its coils via a fan. As this warm air passes through the refrigerated coils of the machine, it contracts and leaves behind condensation inside the dehumidifier.
READ MORE: TikTok user who banishes condensation with two ingredients thanked for ‘amazing’ hack
While dehumidifiers can be an investment, they are available at various price points. For those on a budget, disposable dehumidifiers can be purchased for as little as £1.49 from B&M and placed near affected areas of your home.
The video has sparked a conversation among viewers who shared their experiences and tips for dealing with condensation. One user named Stein commented: “We never have that, mind you the Mrs insists on having the window open even in the depths of winter.” Another user, Lewis, praised dehumidifiers, saying: “I have a dehumidifier in my room and they are very very good.”
Another useful tip came from Robbie, who suggested utilising the vents on window panes. He explained: “Most windows will have vents at the top or bottom they should be always open it allows for passive ventilation and stops condensation.”
While condensation itself may not seem problematic, if left untreated, it can lead to dampness and create an ideal environment for mould growth. This can not only damage your home but can also pose health risks. The NHS warns that inhaling or touching mould spores may trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. It can also provoke asthma attacks.
Certain groups, including babies and children, older people, individuals with existing skin or respiratory issues, or those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to the effects of mould exposure. Mould thrives in moist, humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms.
The NHS advises identifying the source of excess moisture in your home to prevent mould growth. This could involve home repairs or steps to reduce indoor humidity. While small amounts of mould can be removed independently, professional help may be required for larger infestations.
If you notice mould in your home, there are ways to treat it. However, unless the root cause is addressed, it is likely that the mould will continue to grow.
This article was crafted with the help of AI tools, which speed up the Daily Express editorial research. A Daily Express editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors here
