Steamy Windows? 9 Ways to Cut Condensation

How to Reduce Condensation in your Home

Condensation forms when warm air collides with non-porous, cold surfaces. So, if you wake up in the morning in winter and your windows are covered in water droplets, it’s because your room is warm, and the outside temperature overnight made your windows cold.

Condensation itself won’t cause any major issues. However, problems start to arise when this moisture can’t get away.

Damp patches can form if the water pools on windowsills or sealant around windows. This can then form black mould, damaging health, and the foundations of your home. Think chipping paint, or at worst rotting wood.

The main thing to remember is condensation is normal. It doesn’t mean windows need replacing or you’re doing anything wrong. But you do need to sort the issue, which could mean daily attention.

While condensation can be caused by weather conditions, excess humidity can be manmade too. Think about:

• Using pan lids when cooking
• Closing kitchen doors when cooking, boiling the kettle or washing dishes
• Closing bathroom doors when showering
• Opening windows when cooking and showering
• Making use of extractor fans and cooker hoods
• Trying to dry clothes indoors effectively
• Ensuring your tumble dryer is well ventilated

 

How to Get Rid of Condensation in the Home

 

1. Use an electric dehumidifier

A dehumidifier will draw moisture out of the air before it settles on surfaces such as your windows. It won’t remove all moisture from the air, though—having too dry an atmosphere can be damaging to the home, too.

So, this is the ideal solution. It removes excess humidity and moisture, without going overboard.

 

2. Use a window vacuum

Lightweight and battery-powered, a window vacuum can suck moisture from a surface such as a window. It is quick and will ensure that the moisture droplets don’t land on the windowsill as the outside starts to warm up slightly.

SPEEDY TOP TIP: Window vacuums are specifically designed to deal with moisture. Do not use a normal vacuum to do this job.

They’re also commonly used when cleaning windows or after showering to clean the shower door if you’re concerned about whether you’d use it all year round. You can also mop up spills with them if the kids have dropped a drink or the dog’s bowl has been knocked over.

 

3. Use a squeegee and towel

Sucking up the water is the best option. The next best is to use a squeegee to get moisture off windows.

Lay a towel on the windowsill to catch any water and use a squeegee to draw the water downwards. Then, finish drying the window and window frames with some kitchen paper or a microfibre cloth.

These options will need to be done daily, but they are fine as long as your home isn’t seeing any other effects of damp.

 

4. Improve ventilation

The last thing you want to do is open your window when it is cold outside. Unfortunately, you need to allow air to circulate and improve air quality.

You may have modern windows which you can leave partially open and still lock overnight, as long as you don’t feel the cold too much.

If not, opening wide for an hour or so when you wake up will help to get some fresh air in the home. Things will feel less stuffy, and the moisture will be able to escape.

 

SPEEDY TOP TIP: Airflow can also be improved by moving furniture away from walls, and putting furniture such as wardrobes against internal walls only.

 

5. Opt for a refillable moisture absorber

These are available to buy in B&Q. They can last for up to a few months, and when full, you simply replace the bag of moisture-capturing beads rather than throw the whole thing in the bin. You’ll pay a bit more, but it will be more eco-friendly and cheaper in the long run.

They won’t be as good as a dehumidifier but they will be okay for smaller amounts of moisture.

 

6. Keep temperatures consistent

Do you have the central heating off most of the day, and then crank it up at night? Not only is this potentially worse for your bills (as the heating has to work harder to heat a cold home), but it can be creating more condensation, too.

So, keep your home’s temperature consistent. This will heat the surfaces of your home and assist in reducing condensation. Leave it ticking away in the background at a steady temperature so there are no sudden drops.

If you’re worried about gas prices and it is cheaper to use electricity in your home, hire a portable heater from Speedy which can be turned on to keep the room temperature consistent.

 

7. Keep windows clean

A cleaner window is less likely to provide a surface for moisture and other particles to cling to. Try to clean your windows weekly, using a dedicated window spray (or by making an eco-friendly window cleaner).

 

8. Try cat litter

In the same way that cat litter is designed to absorb cat urine, it can absorb moisture from the air. It won’t be as effective as a dedicated dehumidifier but can help a bit.

Just place it in an old sock or bag, tie it up and let it do the job. Replace monthly as it will smell once fully damp. Not a miracle cure for excess moisture but should reduce it slightly.

 

9. Use absorbent window seals

You can buy seals which fit around your window and are dedicated to absorbing any moisture which falls. Note these are different to the seals which are designed to keep cold air out.

They’ll be thicker and designed to hold the moisture before needing to be replaced. This won’t affect their stickiness.

 

If condensation is a big issue…

Call in the professionals if damp seems to be affecting your walls, or if you simply can’t keep on top of the black mould forming in your home. You need to tackle the issue before it causes damage, which may mean altering brickwork or loft insulation.

 

• READY FOR MORE DIY TIPS?

If you do use a dehumidifier, take a look at our blog on how to use a dehumidifier which gives you some handy tips on how to best keep humidity low in your home.

If you need to hire heating to keep your home warmer over winter, we also have a guide on which option to choose.

You’ll find all the power tools and hire equipment you need to keep your home in good condition right here. Open a Speedy account online or instore for all your tool hire needs.

 

For more tips subscribe on our YouTube Channel

Find ideas on Instagram