The 55p viral condensation hack that could do thousands in damages – it can lead to mould and even pose health risks too
IF your windows are soaking wet with condensation, fear not, you’ve come to the right place.
Whilst many of us up and down the country are battling steamed-up windows at the moment, it turns out that a viral TikTok hack that claims to solve the issue could be doing much more harm than good.
So if you’re looking to get your windows sparkling and fresh in no time at all, you’ll need to listen up.
According to a bedroom expert, there’s a popular 55p hack that could do thousands of pounds worth of damage to your windows.
Not only this, but it can also lead to mould and can even pose serious health risks too.
Fixing damp issues can cost anywhere from a few hundred pounds to several thousand, depending on the extent of the damage.
With this in mind, many are turning to social media sites such as TikTok for hacks to help keep moisture out of their homes.
One such hack involves covering your windows with washing-up liquid, which you can nab for just 55p from Morrisons, but the experts aren’t convinced.
Adeel Ul-Haq, a bedroom expert from BunkBeds.co.uk, has warned that not only does the hack not work and is ‘silly’, but it could also cause thousands in damages to your home.
The ‘silly’ hack
When cold air from outside and warm air from inside hit your window, water droplets begin to form, so the idea behind the hack is that by putting washing-up liquid on your window, it stops the water from sticking on the glass.
However, Adeel says: “While the water doesn’t stick on your glass, what does happen is the water droplets slip off the window pane onto the next closest surface.
“This water will soak into porous surfaces such as walls, ceilings and window frames.”
As a result, Adeel continues: “The worst part about this hack is that while no one wants mould in their home, it’s far easier to wipe the mould away from your PVC window frames than it is to get rid of it if it soaks into your frames or walls, it’s far more costly to fix too.”
Making the problem worse
Using washing-up liquid on your windows can make the problem worse by eroding the seals on your windows and letting in more moisture.
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 touches a cold surface, like a window, the water vapour in the air turns into liquid water droplets.
Windows are colder than walls
Windows are often colder than insulated walls, so condensation is more likely to occur on them.
Windows are poorly insulated
Poorly insulated windows can lead to condensation, especially if they are made of aluminium, which conducts heat quickly. If left untreated, it can lead to mould and other serious problems.
Adeel explains: “Window manufacturers don’t recommend using washing-up liquid on your windows as it can wear away at the seal.
“When this happens, mould can grow in-between the window panes, which once again can cost a lot of money to fix.”
Keeping the moisture out of your home
Moving moisture from your glass to your walls doesn’t get rid of the problem and to keep the mould away this winter, you’ll need to focus on a way of keeping moisture out of your home.
Adeel warns: “The hack in my opinion is not only useless but is borderline silly.
Cheap condensation hacks
1. Use Salt or Cat Litter
– Place bowls of salt or silica-based cat litter in areas prone to dampness. These materials are excellent at absorbing moisture from the air.
2. DIY Dehumidifier
– Create a simple dehumidifier using a plastic container with a lid. Punch holes in the lid, fill the container with silica gel or activated charcoal, and place it in humid areas.
3. Ventilate When Cooking and Showering
– Open windows or use extractor fans when cooking or showering to let moisture escape. Even a small gap can make a significant difference.
4. Wipe Down Windows
– Regularly wipe down windows and other cold surfaces with a dry cloth to remove condensation. This prevents moisture from accumulating and causing mould.
5. Use Houseplants
– Certain houseplants, like peace lilies and spider plants, can help absorb moisture from the air. They also improve indoor air quality.
6. Keep Lids on Pots
– When cooking, keep lids on pots and pans to reduce the amount of steam released into the air.
7. Dry Clothes Outside
– Whenever possible, dry clothes outside or in a well-ventilated area instead of using indoor drying racks.
8. Open Curtains and Blinds
– During the day, open curtains and blinds to allow sunlight to warm up windows and reduce condensation. Sunlight also helps to reduce mould 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 Gaps
– Use inexpensive weatherstripping or caulk to seal any cracks or gaps around windows and doors. This helps to keep cold air out and warm air in, reducing condensation.
“Moving the moisture into your walls could have huge financial implications along with affecting your health.
“Instead of using hacks that don’t work, you will need to remove the moisture either manually or by using something to help you.”
The hack in my opinion is not only useless but is borderline silly
Adeel Ul-Haq
Therefore, in order to banish condensation in the safest way possible, Adeel advises: “Your first option is to use a window vacuum or squeegee to remove excess moisture every day, or the second option is to use a dehumidifier.
“Dehumidifiers can be expensive, but if you use one you could save some money on your heating bills as removing moisture from your home will allow your home to warm up quicker.”
Not only this, but Adeel recommends: “If you can’t afford an electric dehumidifier, you can use interior dehumidifiers to do the job.
“Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions so that they stay effective all winter.
“They should keep for around four to six weeks before they need replacing.”