As autumn descends upon the UK, the weather has taken a decidedly chilly turn. With the cold setting in, many of us have already cranked up the heating at home.
This warmer indoor environment can often lead to a common issue – condensation. The colder months see an increased likelihood of condensation forming on your windows as the warm air from inside meets the cold glass, causing tiny water droplets to form.
Not only is this a nuisance to wipe off each morning, but it can also lead to more serious problems such as damp and mould. These issues can wreak havoc for allergy sufferers, with mould spores exacerbating symptoms.
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However, one cleaning expert on social media has offered a simple solution to this problem. Chantel Mila, a cleaning and lifestyle content creator with over a million followers on TikTok, regularly shares easy-to-follow cleaning tips tackling a range of issues including dust, unpleasant odours, and of course, condensation and mould.
In a recent video compiling her top 10 cleaning hacks of the year so far, she included a straightforward task that can help prevent condensation on your windows. It’s worth trying for anyone worried about potential mould during the colder months, and best of all, you only need two basic ingredients to do it, reports the Express.
According to the professional, all you need to keep your windows free from condensation is dish soap and peppermint oil. Simply take a clean cloth and add a squeeze of washing up liquid, which can be purchased for as little as 55p from Asda or 69p from Tesco.
Then, add a few drops of peppermint oil – available on Amazon for £4.99. The next step is to rub the cloth over your windows, ensuring to buff the mixture in well so there’s no residue left behind.
Experts from Fantastic Services suggest that the dish soap creates a temporary barrier on the glass, preventing those pesky condensation droplets from forming. However, it’s important to avoid getting the mixture on the window sealants, as the washing up liquid could damage them.
If you’re dealing with a significant condensation issue, it might be worth investing in a dehumidifier. These devices work by extracting moisture from the air and collecting it in a container which can be emptied when full.
They are also ideal if you dry your clothes indoors, as this can contribute to condensation and eventually mould.