Many problems can be prevented by properly maintaining your property. It is sad to see mouldy frames, bubbled paint, or an algae-covered glass roof, even though all these problems can be solved with some extra work. While we can clean your windows professionally, as well as conservatory roofs, and unblock guttering, there are many things that you can do yourself to keep your house healthy and clean. For example, condensation is a common issue that can lead to serious problems.
- Structural damage to walls and ceilings
- Mould and dampness
- Increased risk of respiratory issues
Condensation forming on windows is a common problem for all types of properties, from houses to flats. It can be particularly problematic during the winter months as the warmer air inside the home comes into contact with the cold glass of the windows and condenses, leaving moisture and water droplets as condensation on your windows.
Tips To Prevent Condensation On Windows
There are many steps you can take to prevent condensation forming on your windows, regardless of property type or age, by restoring the balance of moisture in the home. But how can you get rid of condensation on windows in winter? Here we’ll run through some of the most effective ways to fix and prevent the issue:
1. Ensure there is adequate and continuous ventilation
While it’s important to remain conscious of security, it’s helpful if you can ventilate your property by leaving windows on a ‘vent’ setting or locked slightly open. This allows a constant flow of air, allowing the moisture to escape to the outside rather than forming as condensation on your windows.
It’s especially important to allow moisture to escape in this way in bathrooms and kitchens as these are two main sources of moisture in the home. Extractor fans in these rooms can also be really helpful in reducing moisture levels. You may find that upstairs can be more of an issue when it comes to condensation on windows because of the warm, moist air generated in the bathroom from showering.
2. Invest in a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a plug-in unit which draws in the air from the room, and passes it over a coil that has been cooled by a refrigeration system. The water from the air condenses on this coil and the water drips into a collection bucket at the base of the unit. This is known as ‘grey water’ and can then be poured down the sink or used to water your plants. Dehumidifiers make some noise (they sound a bit like a noisy fridge), but they’re really effective at sucking moisture out of the air – you might be surprised at how quickly the collection bucket fills up (with all the water that would have otherwise been deposited on your windows). Dehumidifiers work best in small rooms with little ventilation.
3. Consider a PIV unit
A positive input ventilation (PIV) unit is a great (if more expensive) solution which is effective throughout an entire property (as opposed to dehumidifiers which normally work in the one room they’re situated in). Think of it as the next step up from a dehumidifier – if you’ve tried one of those and it hasn’t got rid of condensation on your windows in winter, this option is worth considering.
The PIV unit is normally fitted into the loft space of the home. It draws cool, fresh air from outside and filters it through the ceiling into the home. The effect is a constant, gentle flow of air which reduces moisture, condensation and black mould throughout the property. It’s also possible to fit PIV units into flats, however as these properties don’t have loft spaces it’s more expensive – some modification to the property is required to accommodate the unit. Such as, a false ceiling can be installed to hide the ductwork.
4. Dry your clothes outside
Drying your clothes inside introduces a whole lot of extra moisture into the home, even if you have the windows open. Wherever possible, dry them outside, but if you can’t do this, consider an extra spin cycle to help reduce excess water in the clothes before you hang them up, and hang them in a well-ventilated room, near an open window. A big family may want to invest in a tumble dryer. The downside is that it consumes quite a lot of electricity and requires ample space next to the washing machine.
5. Keep the heating on a constant, low setting
Frequent fluctuations in the temperature can contribute to condensation forming on your windows. Rather than putting the heating on high to warm the home then turning it off so it cools down, creating extremes of temperature, it is far better to create an environment with a constant, relatively low heat which will prevent condensation.
6. Improve your property’s insulation
Insulating your home can be a more expensive step but may offset the cost of having to deal with structural damage to the property as a result of moisture caused by excess condensation. You can improve insulation by installing double glazed windows, and making sure that the walls and loft are insulated. Reducing the incidence of cold spots on walls will prevent condensation forming there.
7. Distribute moisture traps
These are a cost-effective way of reducing moisture – desiccant material (usually drying agents like silica gel beads) in a tub soaks up moisture from the air. They need to be replaced every few months but aren’t expensive, and can be left on shelves in wardrobes to do their work.
How to Stop Condensation On Bedroom Windows In Winter
Condensation on bedroom windows is a common problem – as you sleep, moisture from your breath and your body heat can accumulate in the room, which leads to condensation. It’s important to ventilate your bedroom by having your windows slightly open (as an added bonus, a cooler room temperature also helps improve your quality of sleep). You can also prevent condensation on your bedroom windows by implementing some of the advice laid out earlier in this article.
If you wake up and find condensation on your bedroom windows, a great way to clear away the condensation and prevent it from coming back is by mixing a homemade solution. Simply mix two cups of water and two cups of white vinegar, then add a couple of drops of dishwashing soap. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and spray it straight onto your window. White vinegar creates a protective barrier, and soap breaks down the surface tension of the droplets on your window. We suggest using a spray bottle to create a very thin protective cover, which will dry up by itself. You can use a sponge or a piece of cloth, but it will take longer to dry, especially if the air is already too humid.
Remember that condensation on windows in the winter months is normal and nothing to be alarmed by; however, by implementing our tips and recommendations you should be able to prevent condensation from forming in the first place, or eliminate the condensation build-up on your windows.
What is thebesy way to deal with damp walls and condensation in an old bungalow please?
Sorry to hear that. Old bungalows have their own issues unique to each house. Ventilation is key, though heating and insulation also play a role. Sometimes the only option is to keep the windows open as much as possible, but it doesn’t help remove humid air from the bathroom and kitchen. If renovation is in your plans, consider new ductwork or an improved ventilation system with exhaust fans.
Thank you for making your answer short and to the point.
How does this homemade solution control condensation on windows? After you spray it on the windows what do you do? Just let it drop down to the wood holding the window in? Also what is washing up liquid as mentioned as an ingredient in this homemade solution?
Thank you for asking! We’ve updated the post to make it clearer. Just use any liquid soap, preferably dishwashing soap. The solution should dry by itself, which is why we suggest using a spray bottle. Apply a very small amount on the glass so it doesn’t run down onto the wooden frame. If it does, you can clean the frame with a dry cloth. You only need the solution on the glass, not on the frame.