Condensation is more likely to form on windows and in homes when the weather is colder and there is more moisture in the air, but there is an easy and cheap hack to tackle it
The balmy summer rays have slowly given way to ominous clouds, gusty winds and rain in recent weeks, heralding the onset of autumn.
The unpredictable weather, paired with the dipping temperatures, signals that it won’t be long before we’re cranking up the heating and dusting off our winter coats.
The shift in seasons also means you’ll begin to see condensation accumulating on your windows, especially in the mornings when temperatures are typically at their lowest.
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When the warm air inside your home meets the cold window surface, it cools down and forms water droplets, creating condensation. This stagnant water can then lead to a build-up of mould and mildew around your window, which if not addressed, can be harmful to your health.
Fortunately, there’s an incredibly affordable solution that can help keep your windows dry this autumn and prevent condensation from forming.
You don’t need a posh, pricey dehumidifier to draw moisture out of the air in your home – salt can do the trick. Salt is a common item that most households have tucked away in their kitchen cupboards, and it boasts excellent moisture-absorbing properties, reports the Express.
If positioned strategically around your home, it can be used to absorb water vapour from the air, keeping your windows free of condensation as a result.
Simply position a bowl filled with salt (ordinary table salt or rock salt will do) on your windowsills and allow it to soak up moisture from the atmosphere. This technique will assist in keeping the air surrounding your window less humid and decrease the quantity of water beads that appear on the glass.
Specialists at Money Wellness state: “Salt is one of the most absorbent natural products available. Half fill small ramekins with salt and place them near windows.
“You should notice a difference quickly, with condensation levels dropping after just a day. It’ll turn black or become wet once it has reached its maximum level of saturation and should then be changed.”
Condensation becomes more prevalent as houses warm up and outside temperatures fall, and if dampness is allowed to accumulate, it can result in wet spots, mould, and potential health hazards.
Your central heating can significantly influence how much condensation develops in your property, as the hotter the air becomes, the more dampness it will retain. Therefore, if you warm one space to a higher temperature whilst leaving other areas cold, condensation may be more severe in the unheated spaces.
To prevent this, World Health Organisation guidance recommends a minimum temperature of 21C in a lounge and 18C in sleeping areas, and it’s advised that heating remains on low throughout the day during chilly weather to help manage condensation.
“If you notice a build-up of condensation on your windows, it’s crucial to wipe down surfaces to prevent mould from forming and spreading.
If you spot any black spots, clean your window with a mild bleach solution or anti-fungal spray. To absorb the moisture, place a bowl of salt on your windowsill, which will help tackle this issue in the coming months.
Lottomart experts advise: “Regular condensation build-up isn’t just unsightly – it can become a breeding ground for mould, which poses risks to household health.
“The method is really easy to follow. All you need to do is fill a small bowl or jar with table salt and place it on your windowsill. Once the salt clumps together, that’s your sign to replace it with a fresh batch to keep it working effectively.”
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