Condensation builds when warm air meets a cold surface (stock image) (Image: Getty)
Winter is back with a bang, leaving many people looking for viable solutions to keep their homes free from the variety of unwanted side effects that come with a drop in temperature.
Condensation is a concern for many people, with lots turning to social media looking for helpful tips and advice to clear it from their homes and cars. Thankfully, there’s a host of experts and novices alike keen to share their ideas, tips and tricks online.
Couple Richard and Paul run a range of social media pages where they share their life together, as well as household and gardening tips. In one popular YouTube video, Richard sat down to share his solution to getting rid of condensation in their bedroom.
He explained they “do not live in a damp house” but, like many others, they do experience condensation “if the temperature drops below a certain point.”
Speaking directly to the camera, he said: “And of course, we’ve got two of us in the bedroom breathing away all night which is kind of the source of the warm moist air – you can’t get away from that, that’s life, that’s reality.”
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His bedroom is a “very large” room with three “old style double glazed” sash windows. While they were renovated fairly recently, they’re still more prone to condensation than more modern windows.
Thankfully though, Richard has a handy trick. He explained: “My tip today is how to prevent it (condensation) building up further, once you’ve wiped your windows.
“It’s a very simple, simple trick – I use a fan. Yeah, an ordinary fan, it works like a de-mister, point it towards the windows, turn it on and the condensation will not build up.
“Also, with a fan, if the condensation build-up is very light, point the fan towards the window and it will actually get rid of the condensation for you – without wiping.”
He had further advice, too. Richard continued: “The other thing to mention, if you are using a cloth to wipe away your condensation, make sure you dry it properly – preferably in another room with ventilation.
“Of course, the other way to get rid of condensation, and indeed stop it building up in the first place, is to open the window.
“Well, if I were to open three windows in here on a very bitterly cold winter’s day, I’m going to lose all my heat and heat equals money and I don’t want to do that.
“So, this is the way that I manage it on a very cold day – by wiping, putting the fan on and keeping the air circulated. Try it, it works.”
In the comments section, fellow YouTube users were keen to share their thoughts and the methods they implement to banish condensation in winter, with many recommending the same product.
One said: “That’s a good idea Richard,I’m going to try that. Love a good household tip, thanks for sharing.”
Another said: “We use a Karcher window vac in our Victorian terrace house, works a treat”.
A third commented: “Good tips. I live in an old house that’s not fully double glazed, so my single-paned windows are horrible with condensation from late autumn to late spring.
“I have my dehumidifier running which is good, but I got one of those Karcher vac things and I go around sucking the wet off every morning and then wipe them with an old towel.”
Someone else added: “I’m another fan of the Karcher window vac; I find it strangely satisfying! Well done for taking charge of the job situation.”