Condensation can be a real pain, but there are some easy ways to prevent it from forming on your windows every morning – and all it takes is some tweaks and clever hacks
It’s normal for condensation to build up on windows at this time of year (stock image)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Tired of waking up to condensation trickling down your bedroom windows every morning? You’re not alone, and there’s a reason it’s happening more frequently than before. Condensation can materialise on windows at any time of the year, but it’s usually far more common during the chillier months. And while you might dismiss those water droplets as harmless, they can escalate into a significant problem if they consistently affect the same areas.
If neglected for extended periods, black mould can begin to form, which aside from being unsightly, can also be detrimental to your health – leading to health complications like asthma, eczema and bronchitis. Therefore, the best course of action is to identify the root cause of the issue – and then rectify it.
Why does condensation form on my windows every morning?
Condensation, which are water beads that form when hot, humid air meets a cool surface, manifests on our windows. This occurs more often during the colder months due to warm air from inside the home colliding with the cold glass window.
The moisture inside is simply the result of everyday activities such as cooking, showering and even breathing – which is why it frequently appears on bedroom windows in the morning. A stuffy house with little ventilation is another contributing factor, and if your house generally suffers from damp and high humidity, you’re more likely to experience this.
How to get rid of condensation on windows
When it comes to tackling condensation, it’s important to deal with the issues in your home first – whether that be poor ventilation and insulation and high humidity. One easy way to prevent it happening is opening a window. George Holland, bathroom expert from Victorian Plumbing, said: “Opening windows in your bathroom is an easy way to prevent your bathroom fogging up as the steam will simply flow right out of the window. But in the colder months, this fresh breeze is probably not what you want when you’re after a nice warm shower.”
Another great hack is using vinegar as a fog deterrent. All you need to do is make up a small mixture, half vinegar, half water, and apply it to windows or mirror with a cloth before wiping it away until there are no streaks or marks. George added: “This should work just under a week and is one of the cheapest options. However it may leave a smell for about an hour after application so you may want to squeeze some lemons or li mes into the mix to get a nice aroma.”
Another alternative, which has been doing the rounds on TikTok, is using a bit of dishwashing liquid to create a barrier on your windows, so condensation doesn’t form. Anita Birges, a Sydney mum who is known as a Queen of Hacks, recommends putting a “small amount” of dishwashing liquid on a microfibre cloth and then “rub vigorously all over the window, including the frame”.
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She explained: “The dishwashing liquid creates a barrier which stops condensation coming back.”
Here are some other hacks to prevent condensation from forming on your window every morning:
- Cover up pans while you cook to stop your kitchen windows from fogging up
- Take quicker — or cooler — showers
- Always make sure to use an extractor fan (if you have one) when showering or cooking
- Try to avoid drying wet clothes indoors, especially on radiators, wherever possible
- Open windows as often as you can.
- If you have two windows on opposite sides of your house, open them at the same time to allow for cross-ventilation
