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Now that the cold weather looks set to continue, you may have already noticed condensation on your windows.
Although it is a normal part of the fall and winter, if left unchecked condensation can lead to mold, damp and damage to window frames.
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But don’t worry, cleaning miracle Lynsey Crombiewhich is also known as the queen from Clean, has shared a simple trick to keep your home condensation-free.
Lynsey explained that she comes from a family of cleaners and this tip has been passed down for generations.
All you need to try it yourself is an absorbent cloth and some dishwashing liquid. Most of us already have these two things at home.
Lynsey said: “You really need to wipe the water off every morning. A good thick microfibre cloth to get it off.
“Also open the window and let the window dry. Make it a priority to go through the house with your microfiber cloth every morning.”
Put a little bit of dishwashing liquid on your cloth and rub it over the windows.
According to the professional, this helps create a barrier that prevents condensation.
Are you worried about the detergent leaving streaks or stains? Don’t worry.
Lynsey explains that you only use a small amount of washing up liquid, so there is little chance of stains being left behind.
“This tip is very similar to shaving foam on the shower wall.
“You create a barrier that prevents the water from sticking to it,” she added.
What is condensation and how does it occur?
Condensation and mold can cause serious health problems, but there are ways to prevent both.
Condensation occurs when warm air hits a cooler surface and creates moisture.
If left unused, mold and mildew can grow, which is difficult to remove and can be harmful to your health, including worsening asthma, eczema and allergies.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to tackle condensation and mould and save yourself problems in the future.
Experts including Nicholas Donnithorne, UK Technical Services Manager at damp proofing company Peter Cox, Ben Gallizzi, energy Uswitch expert and Which? Home Products and Services Editor Natalie Hitchins previously shared some top tips for keeping condensation under control.
Ensure good ventilation in your home
The weather may be getting warmer, but you’ll probably still be able to enjoy a hot shower every now and then.
To prevent steam If dirt is sticking to the walls of your bathroom, make sure to open all the windows and turn on the extractor fan, says Nicholas.
Even after showering, keep the bathroom door closed to prevent excess steam from escaping into the rest of the house.
And Nicholas added: “Use the window vents or keep a window open for background ventilation.”
Air vents are small grilles that you can place on top of windows and that allow a constant flow of air in and out.
Dry clothes outside
If you hang your trousers and socks indoors, condensation can form as the moisture escapes into the air.
It’s better to hang your clothes outside, even if there’s a slight chance of rain, says Nicholas.
He added: “An alternative is to dry clothes in a tumble dryer or in an enclosed space with the window open.”
Try using technology
Once you have done everything you can to prevent excess moisture from entering the air, try removing it using technology.
Ben from Uswitch said: “If you regularly dry your clothes indoors, you may want to consider getting a dehumidifier.
“They remove excess water from the air, which helps combat condensation and prevent mold growth.”
And you don’t have to spend a fortune on it either.
You can also buy moisture absorbing tablets from Screwfix. These cost just £6.
They absorb excess moisture, neutralize unpleasant odors and can last for months.
Common Bathroom Habits That Contribute to Mold Growth
Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the everyday habits that increase the likelihood of mould growing in homes.
Leaving wet towels and bath mats on the floor
Wet towels and bath mats on the floor after showering or bathing can increase humidity, creating an ideal breeding ground for mold spores.
To prevent this, hang towels and bath mats in a place where they can dry quickly and wash them regularly.
Do not turn on the fan
An extractor fan is essential to reduce humidity in the bathroom.
When you take a hot shower or bath, steam causes the humidity in the room to increase. This creates an ideal environment for mold to grow on walls, ceilings and other surfaces.
An extractor fan ensures that moist air is moved outside, which significantly reduces the chance of mold growth.
Experts advise turning on the fan while showering and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to reduce humidity.
Ignore small leaks
Even small leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased humidity in the bathroom, creating an environment where mold can thrive.
Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mold growth in less visible areas, such as interior walls or under the floor.
Repair leaks as soon as possible to prevent mold and possible structural damage.
Keep shower curtains or doors closed
If you keep the shower closed after use, moisture will remain in the shower. This will slow the drying process and create a damp environment that promotes mold growth.
Mold can easily develop on shower curtains, doors and tile grout if they remain wet for too long.
To prevent this, you can leave the shower door or shower curtain open after use to improve air circulation and dry the room faster.
Storing too many products
Shower caddys and nooks full of bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow, trap moisture and create hidden, damp niches where mold can grow unnoticed.
Keep as few shampoo and shower gel bottles in the refrigerator as possible and clean and dry the areas underneath regularly to prevent mold growth.
