My windows are soaked with condensation – people swear by a ‘Scandinavian hack’
A WOMAN has revealed she recently moved into a 1940s house but discovered her windows are constantly soaking wet with condensation.
And with no extra money to buy new ones, Siobhan Danielle was keen to ask DIY and cleaning enthusiasts for advice on what to do.
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Post on DIY on a budgeta private Facebook group with 2.2 million members, Siobhan shared snaps of her wet windows and begged: “Need advice please.”
She then explained: We bought a new house, it was built in the 1940s and has outdated wooden frames that urgently need to be replaced.
“Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to immediately replace the window.”
The woman, who is from Britain, then asked: “Has anyone had this problem before and does anyone know of a DIY solution we can try while we wait for new windows?”
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Not only this, but the homeowner also added, “The house was vacant for at least a year before we moved in and the moisture in the windows is occurring upstairs where there is limited ventilation.”
Social media users flocked to the comments, eager to share their advice on how to banish condensation in winter.
So if your windows are covered in condensation and you’re not sure how to remove it, listen up.
While there were many useful cleaning tricks offered, many swore by the same simple hack – and it’s completely free.
It was claimed that a ‘Scandinavian hack’, which involves simply opening your windows in short bursts, will clear condensation in no time.
One person said: “There’s a Scandinavian hack: every day, regardless of the weather, open all the windows for five minutes to let all the moisture out.
“I thought: what a burden [rubbish]’But it really works. Since I started doing this, I no longer have problems with wetness on my windows.
“Also dry off excess moisture to prevent mold. But to be honest, the Scandinavian hack really works: the heat from the house on the cold windows provides the moisture, the air sucks the moisture away.”
What is condensation?
Condensation is water droplets that form on a window when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface.
Condensation occurs when:
Air cools
Warmer air can hold more moisture than cooler air. When moist air hits a cold surface, such as a window, the water vapor in the air turns into liquid water droplets.
Windows are colder than walls
Windows are often colder than insulated walls, which means there is a greater chance of condensation.
Windows are poorly insulated
Poorly insulated windows can lead to condensation, especially if they are made of aluminum, which conducts heat quickly. If left untreated, it can lead to mold and other serious problems.
Another added: “You need to reduce the humidity in your home, try a dehumidifier for a while. Open your windows every day.”
While a third commented: “You need ventilation in that room. Open a window slightly for an hour and the condensation should disappear.”
Honestly, the Scandinavian hack really works
Facebook user
Not only this, but many Facebook users were keen to share more advice on what has worked for them to stop the condensation.
One user beamed: “Window vac is the way forward. My house is 36 years old and is the same. No matter what I do, I have serious mold problems. Also turn on a dehumidifier.”
Cheap Condensation Hacks
1. Use salt or cat litter
– Place bowls of salt or silica-based cat litter in areas that are sensitive to moisture. These materials are excellent at absorbing moisture from the air.
2. DIY dehumidifier
– Make a simple dehumidifier using a plastic container with a lid. Make holes in the lid, fill the container with silica gel or activated carbon and place it in damp areas.
3. Ventilate while cooking and showering
– Open windows or use exhaust fans when cooking or showering to allow moisture to escape. Even a small difference can make a big difference.
4. Wipe Windows clean
– Wipe windows and other cold surfaces regularly with a dry cloth to remove condensation. This prevents moisture from accumulating and causing mold.
5. Use houseplants
– Certain houseplants, such as lilies and spider plants, can help absorb moisture from the air. They also improve indoor air quality.
6. Keep lids on jars
– Keep lids on pots and pans while cooking to reduce the amount of steam released into the air.
7. Dry clothes outside
– If possible, dry clothes outside or in a well-ventilated area, rather than using indoor drying racks.
8. Open curtains and blinds
– Open curtains and blinds during the day to allow sunlight to warm the windows and reduce condensation. Sunlight also helps reduce mold growth.
9. Use towels wisely
– Keep towels and other fabrics away from walls and windows to prevent them from absorbing moisture and becoming damp.
10. Seal cracks and holes
– Use inexpensive weatherstripping or caulk to seal any cracks or holes around windows and doors. This helps keep cold air out and warm air in, reducing condensation.
A second agreed: “Dishwashing liquid creates a barrier on the surface of the windows, preventing water from sticking.
“So in just a few minutes you can eliminate the moisture and mold that wet windows can cause. Worked for me for a while.”
Meanwhile, someone else advised: “Move bowls salt on the windowsill.
‘It’s cheap and removes moisture from the air, my grandmother always swore by this.’
