Condensation can be a thing of the past with this hack.
Winter weather can be a real headache for homeowners. Many of us wake up each morning to find the inside of our windows covered in water droplets, forcing us to take time out of our busy morning routines to wipe down the surfaces.
Condensation is a common issue in the winter as the cold air from outside meets the warm air inside your home. However, neglecting to clean it can lead to significant problems – leaving water on your windows creates a breeding ground for mould.
But if you don’t have the time to stand there with a cloth and wipe your windows dry, there’s a simple solution that allows the windows to clear themselves. What’s more, it only takes 10 minutes to do – and it’s already a popular practice in other countries like Germany.
In a post on Reddit, a user sought help removing condensation from their windows. They stated the windows were not blown, but covered in water every morning and wanted advice on how to stop the problem.
The post garnered over 450 comments, and one of the most popular suggestions was incredibly straightforward – just open the windows. Not only is this completely free, but it also enables the windows to clear themselves so you can continue your morning routine without having to spend time clearing the condensation yourself.
One individual advised: “Shock ventilation. Each morning, open the windows (especially so on dry cold days) fully and all doors if you’re able. 5-10 minutes is all it takes. Then shut all the windows and doors and heat the house.” Another suggested: “Is everyone missing the simplest thing you can do? Crack a window open.”
Another commenter referred to that practice as Lüften, a German word which references the tradition of opening windows temporarily to let fresh air in and stale air out. According to Ideal Home, it’s even a requirement of some old property leases in Germany as a “way to prevent damp and condensation”.
The shock ventilation method, known as Stoßlüften, recommends ventilating twice a day – 30 minutes in summer, 15 during spring and autumn, and a brief five during winter to stave off mould formation. Ideal Home explained: “By doing this, you can not only prevent the build-up of mould, but you can also stop it from coming back if you’ve already taken steps to get rid of it.”
Several commenters vouched for alternatives to combat window moisture, like electric dehumidifiers that pluck excess water from the air, reducing potential window moisture accumulation. Window vacuums were also mentioned as a quick fix for wiping away condensation, contrasting the traditional towel method.
One person said: “A plug-in dehumidifier will do wonders – a decent one will turn on and off as required to maintain a steady humidity level, but be warned that when first plugged in, they’ll run much more than normal due to how damp your air currently is.” Another added: “Get a condensation vacuum. Gets rid of it. Makes a massive difference.”