Condensation on windows: stop inside condensation with these 5 cheap tips and hacks - as cold weather hits UK
Millions of UK homes are waking up to damp and moisture this winter ❄️
- Cold, damp weather is affecting homes across the UK, with ice, rain, and storm fallout
- Condensation is becoming a growing problem on windows, walls, and other surfaces
- Flood alerts and ice warnings are in place, while low-income households receive cold weather payments
- Experts warn that unchecked condensation can lead to damp, mould, and damage to homes
- Simple, low-cost measures can help households tackle excess moisture and protect their property
Cold, damp weather is gripping parts of the UK, with ice warnings, flooding and the fallout from Storm Goretti creating tricky conditions for households as well as travellers.
As wintry temperatures combine with persistent rain and lingering moisture from recent weather fronts, many homes are seeing a familiar side effect: condensation forming on windows, walls and cold surfaces.
With the Met Office issuing ice and rain warnings, flood alerts remaining in place across England, and cold weather payments being triggered for vulnerable households, keeping homes dry and comfortable is a growing concern.
But home improvement experts say small, low-cost changes can make a real difference, including a simple 50p trick that can help reduce condensation.
Helen Godsiff, brand manager at Eurocell, has shared their practical advice on how to tackle excess moisture indoors as the cold, wet spell continues.
She says: “Condensation has already started to appear... soon, millions of Brits could be waking up to wet windows when they open their bedroom curtains in the morning.
“It may not seem a big problem, but left alone it can lead to more costly issues, such as damp and mould, which, partnered with the cold temperatures, can have a knock-on effect on your health.
“Following these easy tips can help minimise future condensation issues. While condensation on the outside of energy-efficient windows can simply be a sign they’re doing their job, moisture on the inside is what you need to watch out for.”
Avoid drying clothes indoors
“Condensation forms when warm air meets the cold surface of glass, allowing water to collect and build up. Everyday household habits can make this worse. Drying clothes indoors, for example, releases moisture into the air and raises humidity levels.
“When that extra moisture has nowhere to go, it settles on cooler surfaces like windows, walls and ceilings, causing condensation. Over time, this can lead to issues such as mould growth, damp patches and damage to paint or plaster.
“Drying your washing in a room with the window slightly open or in a well-ventilated space with good extraction helps prevent these problems and keeps your home healthier and more comfortable.”
Keep ventilation going
“The main cause of condensation is most likely due to poor ventilation. Cooking or showering can build up steam in the rooms, causing further condensation problems.
“Extractor fans might be drawing enough moisture out of kitchens and bathrooms, so opening windows regularly in these areas can help to reduce moisture from the air, meaning less condensation buildup on your windows.
“Letting the trickle vents above your windows stay open or opening them for a short time each day allows fresh air to circulate, which helps stop moisture in the room from gathering on the glass.”
£1 shaving foam can prevent condensation
“Another handy trick for tackling condensation involves something you probably already have in the bathroom cabinet: shaving foam.
“When mirrors or glass surfaces fog up easily, a quick layer of shaving foam can help stop the moisture from clinging. All you need to do is spread a small amount over the surface and then wipe it away with a clean, dry cloth.
“It leaves behind a thin, invisible film that stops water droplets from forming, keeping the glass much clearer.
“It won’t last forever, so you’ll need to reapply it occasionally, but it’s a cheap and easy fix that can make a noticeable difference, especially in steamy bathrooms or other damp spots around the home.”
Seal your windows to prevent moisture from coming in
“Making sure the areas around your window frames are well sealed can really cut down on condensation. When there are gaps or cracks, cold air and moisture can sneak in and cool the surface, which encourages condensation to form.
“Take a close look around the frames for any small openings that might let air or dampness through, and use an appropriate sealant to close them up.
“Even tiny gaps can cause problems, so it’s worth checking carefully. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the seals throughout the year, especially in the wetter winter months.
“If water seeps in and freezes, it can weaken or damage window frames, but regular maintenance helps stop that from happening.”
Keep rooms warm and evenly heated
“Keeping your home at a consistent temperature is a simple but effective way to tackle condensation. When rooms stay evenly warm, surfaces like windows and walls are less likely to cool down enough for moisture to settle on them.
“Maintaining a steady indoor temperature, rather than letting spaces get cold and then reheating them, can make a big difference.
“Using curtains or blinds as an extra layer of insulation, especially during colder weather, can help reduce the chill on window surfaces, making it harder for condensation to form in the first place.”