How do I stop condensation on my windows?

CONDENSATION appears when air changes into liquid and gathers on a surface.

Here we take a look at how to keep your windows clear of condensation.

Condensation is the opposite of vaporisation

What causes condensation?

Condensation occurs when warm air comes into contact with a cold surface, as can be seen when we breathe, bathe and cook.

It can also happen when there is too much humidity in your home.

When moisture-packed warm air meets a colder surface its temperature drops quickly and releases water, which turns into liquid droplets on the surface.

How do you stop condensation inside windows?

There are several ways to reduce condensation in your home.

And there is no need to purchase any expensive equipment — here are some cost-free ways you can have a condensation-free household.

Reduce moisture levels in your home

The easiest way to stop condensation in your home is to reduce the level of moisture in the air.

One way to do this is by improving your home’s ventilation and making sure extractor fans are all on when they need to be.

When cooking, boiling a kettle or showering, make sure the kitchen or bathroom door is closed to prevent vapour finding its way into colder rooms and condensing into water.

If possible, dry your clothes outdoors to keep moisture out, or try turning the heating up a little, bearing in mind that warmer air can hold more water before it condenses.

Vinegar solution

You can also try out a homemade solution which will clean your windows of condensation.

All you have to do is mix two cups of water with two cups of vinegar and a few drops of washing up liquid.

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and dash it over the window.

Then simply wipe it off with a soft cleaning cloth and let the glass dry.

If you can still see condensation trapped between two panes of double-glazed glass, then you will have to call someone to come and fix that for you.

Do dehumidifiers really work?

One way to cut back on condensation is by getting hold of a dehumidifier — a device which sucks excess moisture from the air.

Which! reports that the best models on the market are cheap and effective at making sure your home stays condensation-free.

They work by either absorbing water and heating it or by using a filter to suck in and cool the air in your home.

Both methods have the same end result: they make moisture in the air turn into actual water, which is collected in an in-built tank.

By pulling moisture from the air, dehumidifiers make it less likely that the air in your home will end up with more water vapour than it can hold, and so helps to combat condensation.

This in turn improves air quality and reduces dampness in your home.

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