Struggling with foggy windows and water running down the glass? You might be facing a condensation issue which, if not tackled swiftly, could encourage mould growth on your windowsills.
Condensation occurs when excess warm moisture in the air hits a colder surface a common dilemma during winter, as many tend to dry their laundry indoors.
While it might not appear serious at first, ignore it and you risk a buildup of dampness that can lead to unsightly mould on walls or wooden window frames.
Fear not, though. Cleaning guru Lynsey Crombie, affectionately dubbed the Queen of Clean, has divulged a simple ‘old-school tip’ to combat window condensation: a nugget of wisdom passed down from her mum, reports the Express.
Taking to Instagram, Lynsey advised: “To prevent condensation on your windows this time of year, just simply rub a tiny drop of neat washing-up liquid using a dry cloth all over the affected windows. This will stop the condensation, leaving you with dry windows in the morning.”
It might sound odd, but there’s science behind it. Washing-up liquid contains surfactants that reduce water surface tension, preventing water droplets from forming.
Thus, water will instead spread into a thin layer, incapable of accumulating. Essentially, the washing-up liquid forms a condensation-fighting shield.
A straightforward cleaning hack promises to save you from daily battles with window condensation and dreaded mould worries, using just a smidgen of washing-up liquidwithout leaving smudges on your panes.
How to get rid of window condensation with washing up liquid
Slightly moisten a microfibre cloth with a little bit of washing-up liquid.
Gently apply the concoction onto your windows, spreading it thinly across the glass surface. Home guru Lynsey advised: “This will give you a barrier, preventing condensation, and you won’t get any smears on your glass.”
After ensuring thorough coverage, either a dry cloth or squeegee can be used to remove surplus liquid, leaving behind a barely-there layer on the glass.
This treatment should thwart the onset of condensation, which is often attributed to poor air circulation indoorsso remember to crack open those windows during the day for better air flow.
Enthusiasm has bubbled over in Lynseys comment section, where many have shared their success stories after employing this nifty trick. One delighted individual commented: “Two days in and my windows are water-free. Thanks so much for this tip- I’m telling everyone!!!”