Condensation on your windows can lead to a build up of black mould and mildew around its seals, but a simple kitchen ingredient can help
As the autumn chill begins to set in and temperatures steadily drop, it won’t be long before we’re reaching for the thermostat. Alongside the cold weather, autumn also ushers in another annoyance – condensation on your windows, reports Chronicle Live.
This pesky layer of water droplets can become a frequent sight during the colder months, resulting from warm air inside your home meeting the cold surface of the glass, cooling rapidly to form condensation.
If not addressed, it can swiftly lead to a build-up of black mould and mildew around your window seal, which can be detrimental to your health. Fortunately, tackling the issue of condensation on your windows doesn’t have to break the bank – a simple kitchen ingredient can do the trick – salt.
Salt boasts excellent moisture-absorbing properties, so it can effectively soak up water vapour from the air and help to prevent condensation from forming, according to the Express. Experts recommend placing a bowl of salt on windowsills to help dry the air near your window, thereby reducing the amount of water droplets that form on the cold glass and helping to reduce dampness in your home.
Specialists at The Spruce explained: “Placing a bowl of salt near the window can help to absorb moisture in the air before it can condense on the windows, though the amount of salt needed and the frequency with which you will have to replace the salt depends on the level of moisture inside the home.”
You can pick up a bottle of table salt for just 65p at Sainsbury’s, Morrisons or Aldi, making it a budget-friendly and natural way to tackle condensation during the autumn and winter months when your heating system is working. Condensation becomes more of an issue as homes heat up whilst outside temperatures drop, and if moisture is left to build up it can lead to damp patches, mould development, and possible health risks.
On top of that, it’s also a costly issue to resolve. According to MyJobQuote, minor condensation fixes for double glazed windows could set you back anywhere between £300 and £500.
As a result, salt acts as a straightforward yet effective solution that can really help in keeping a drier home during the colder months. Experts at Lottomart explained: “Regular condensation build-up isn’t just unsightly – it can become a breeding ground for mould, which poses risks to household health.
“The method is really easy to follow. All you need to do is fill a small bowl or jar with table salt and place it on your windowsill. Once the salt clumps together, that’s your sign to replace it with a fresh batch to keep it working effectively.”
