UK homeowners are being encouraged to try a simple tin foil trick to prevent condensation from forming on bathroom mirrors. Condensation is a common problem that if left unchecked can contribute to damp and costly plumbing issues.
Condensation often becomes a bigger issue during colder months, when warm, moist air from showers meets cooler surfaces. Recent data suggests a surge in concern – Google searches for “dehumidifier for condensation” have risen 294%, while “condensation inside window” searches are up 187%.
To tackle the problem, Alex Woods, bathroom expert at Victorian Plumbing, has revealed a cheap and easy DIY solution using items found in most households.
The method involves creating a small air gap behind the mirror.
Mr Woods recommends mounting the mirror 1–2 centimetres away from the wall using small spacers, then placing a sheet of tin foil behind it with the dull side facing outwards. The foil should remain completely hidden from view.
According to Mr Woods, this setup works in two ways. First, the tin foil reflects and distributes heat evenly across the back of the mirror, helping to maintain a more consistent surface temperature and preventing fog from forming.
Second, the air gap created by the spacers provides additional insulation, further reducing the likelihood of condensation.
“Fog forms when warm, moist air from a shower meets a cooler surface, causing condensation to appear as tiny droplets,” Mr Woods explained. “By keeping the mirror’s temperature more consistent, this trick significantly reduces the chances of condensation forming.”
Victorian Plumbing, based in Merseyside, is one of the UK’s largest online bathroom retailers, offering a wide range of branded and in-house designed bathroom products.
Mr Woods added that small hacks like the tin foil method offer homeowners an affordable way to protect their bathrooms and avoid the expense of damp-related repairs.
With winter well underway, experts say simple solutions like this could help thousands of UK households keep their mirrors clear and their bathrooms dry, without investing in costly dehumidifiers or renovations.
