'Keep condensation away' with woman's simple 62p item window hack

'Keep condensation away' with woman's simple 62p item window hack This could reduce the risk in homes during winter months Homeowners could tackle a common cold-weather headache and cut the risk of mould by rubbing an inexpensive household item across their windows. As temperatures drop, people are taking to social media to share their cleaning tips, with many claiming that one straightforward trick can banish condensation for good. Users online suggest that applying a tiny dab of washing-up liquid to your window and buffing it in until it disappears could create an invisible barrier that prevents water droplets from forming on cold glass. This tip tends to do the rounds online whenever autumn arrives. Instagram user Lily (@Lilymayjeanx) claims that a drop of washing-up liquid worked into window glass will "create a film" that "keeps condensation away". In the caption accompanying her video, she wrote: "How to keep condensation away!" In the clip, she not only uses washing-up liquid but also hangs a dehumidifier on her curtain pole and throws open her windows "first thing in the morning". Washing-up liquid is available at most supermarkets at a very low cost. Aldi shoppers, for example, can grab a bottle of Power Force Washing Up Liquid in store for just 62p. Given that only a small drop is needed each time, the cost of keeping condensation at bay works out at mere pennies, reports Wales Online. How does it work? Washing-up liquid prevents visible condensation from forming fog or droplets because it contains surfactants that reduce the surface tension of water. Typically, water molecules are drawn to one another and create distinct droplets or foggy beads when they meet a cold windowpane, but surfactants interfere with this attraction. Rather than forming beads, the moisture spreads evenly into a microscopic, flat and transparent film. Because the water forms a smooth layer rather than scattered droplets, the glass remains clear. While this trick seems to deliver impressive results online, it will not completely eliminate moisture. Even if your windows appear clear, without tackling the root cause, the actual humidity in your room remains and can migrate to walls, ceilings or other cold surfaces. Is the 'hack' recommended? It is worth noting that no official bodies, government agencies or window manufacturers endorse using washing-up liquid to prevent condensation, as it could lead to problems. While the hack may prevent visible water droplets by spreading moisture into a thin film, window fitters and glazing specialists warn that the chemicals in soap can degrade rubber window seals over time, leading to failed double glazing and permanently misted glass. This method does nothing to eliminate moisture from the air; it merely masks the issue. If the root of the problem is not stopped, trapped dampness will simply settle on other cold surfaces such as walls and ceilings, where it can trigger mould growth. Rather than resorting to washing-up liquid, official housing and industry guidelines make clear that the only reliable, safe solution to tackling condensation is adequate ventilation, extractor fans, or dehumidifiers. How else can I prevent condensation and mould? Mould can also pose a considerable threat to your health. Breathing in mould spores can trigger respiratory problems, aggravate conditions such as asthma and allergies, and lead to skin irritation and a persistent cough, posing serious health risks to children and adults alike. As temperatures begin to drop, homes will become increasingly vulnerable to creating the ideal conditions for mould to flourish. There are a number of steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of this issue spreading throughout your home, which can prove notoriously difficult to eliminate once it takes hold. Experts from Which? have set out several measures homeowners can take to stop mould from gaining a foothold in rooms and causing damage. Some simply require minor changes to daily habits - such as opening windows more frequently or ensuring your heating is set correctly to prevent sudden drops in temperature.