Waking up to foggy, damp windows in your bedroom or living room is a common frustration. While condensation might seem harmless at first, it can quickly lead to mould growth, damp patches, and even damage to your window frames and windowsills if left unmanaged.
Dehumidifiers are a popular solution but often come with a high price tag and ongoing energy costs. Fortunately, there’s a surprisingly simple and affordable alternative that costs just pennies.
Allan Reid, a double-glazing expert from Art Windows and Doors, shares a tried-and-tested tip: placing a small bowl of salt on your windowsill. Salt acts as a natural dehumidifier by absorbing moisture from the air before it settles on your windows.
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“It sounds almost too simple to be true, but it really works,” says Reid. “It’s an old trick we still recommend to customers looking for a quick, no-cost fix.”
If salt isn’t handy, silica gel packets can also soak up moisture effectively. Both are easy to find in your kitchen or around the house.
To use this method, clear any visible moisture from your windows first. Then place a small dish filled with salt or silica gel on the windowsill before going to bed in areas prone to condensation. In the morning, open your windows briefly to let humid air escape and refresh the room.
Keep in mind that once the salt or silica gel becomes clumpy, it’s absorbed as much moisture as it can and should be replaced. Also, maintaining good airflow by keeping trickle vents open—even in colder months—and checking window seals can further reduce condensation.
Reid adds, “Simple steps like repositioning furniture away from cold outer walls and using these low-cost solutions can make a big difference. They help protect your home from long-term moisture damage and keep it healthier during chilly seasons.”
Just a few minutes each evening can prevent condensation buildup and safeguard your windows all winter long.