As the mercury drops, we brace for the familiar sight of morning window condensation. The cold air outside meeting your home’s warmth is the culprit, leading to water droplets forming on surfaces like windows, a more frequent occurrence in poorly ventilated spaces and bedrooms, where exhalation contributes moisture.
Battling this phenomenon is not only a matter of comfort but also health, as ignored condensation can lead to property damage and mould growth, which poses additional health risks.
TikTok’s MK Property has offered up an array of savvy tips to tackle this winter woe. Their advice hinges on the clever use of curtains and ventilation to combat condensation.
They suggest “thick, heavy lined curtains during the winter to keep the room warm” and emphasise the importance of airflow by advising people to “open window trickle vents during the day or when going out, or open windows for at least 10 minutes a day” despite having those sturdy curtains drawn. This way, you prevent turning your windows into moisture magnets.
Remember, letting fresh air circulate is key to avoiding unwelcome moisture buildup.
You can also try to tackle certain behaviours which creature more moisture indoors. Housing association Greatwell Homes advise people to refrain from drying clothes indoors or on radiators, as this can create more moisture.
Instead, you should make use of any cold, dry days and dry clothes outdoors. Employing an extractor hood when cooking can help prevent condensation, as trickling water on pots helps prevent excess moisture from escaping.
Residents are advised to keep their trickle vents in windows open and wipe down walls post-shower to stop mould in its tracks. After cooking or taking a shower, activating extractor fans for about 15-30 minutes is also recommended to diminish moisture levels.
For those seeking budget-friendly options to combat dampness, moisture/dehumidifier bags are available for just over £1 each on sites like Amazon and could be an effective solution.
