FROM pouring cat litter into old socks, placing bowls of rock salt on window ledges and smearing washing up liquid on window glass, cheap condensation hacks are getting weirder and wackier.
But do any of them actually work?
Fabulous spoke exclusively to several experts, who revealed whether popular condensation hacks seen on social media are effective, or just a waste of time.
1. Cat Litter
Just as cat litter pellets are designed to absorb pet excretions, they can also absorb moisture from the air.
But you don't need to have an ugly tray of cat litter lying around.
Stephen Day from iHeat said: "This method can be effective due to cat litter's hygroscopic nature, which allows it to absorb moisture from the air.
"Placing it in a sock makes a homemade dehumidifier that can reduce condensation, particularly in small areas."
You should swap out the cat litter regularly to ensure it’s fresh and working as hard as it can be.
2. Salt Bowls
It’s an old wives tale but for good reason – placing bowls of rock salt on your window sills is said to be a great way to stop condensation.
Stephen said: "Salt, like cat litter, is hygroscopic and can absorb some moisture. However, its efficacy is limited to the immediate vicinity, making it more suitable for small spaces or as a temporary measure."
3. Washing up liquid
One way to apparently prevent condensation is smearing washing up liquid on your window glass.
But does it really work? Stephen said: "This trick has limited effectiveness.
"While a thin layer of washing up liquid may create a film that prevents water molecules from sticking to the glass, it's not a long-term solution and can lead to streaky windows."
Bathroom expert Evan Jones from Bathroom Superstore also warned against doing this.
He said: "While the videos clearly show that they are condensation free [after applying a layer of washing up liquid on them] what they don’t show is that the moisture that would have formed on those windows has now gone elsewhere."
Evan suggested the moisture which would've formed on the window panes will soak into walls and ceilings instead, which even harder to remove.
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So what does work?
For removing condensation from windows, Stephen suggests "using a squeegee to quickly and cleanly move moisture away from the glass, followed by wiping the area with a microfiber cloth to prevent watermarks".
But that's a timely task, so it's worth considering how to prevent condensation forming in the first place.
Stephen continued: "The best approach is to control humidity levels and ensure proper ventilation.
"This could involve using dehumidifiers, maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, and using extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moist air."
Dehumidifiers cost as little as 4p an hour to run.
Also make sure your heating is steady – keeping the inside temperature consistent.
You should also consider using your extractor fan in the kitchen a little more, as the kitchen is responsible for nearly half of all the moisture in your home.
Extraction hoods work by sending air and moisture in the air outside through ducting.
Keeping it on for a little longer while cooking, or when you notice the kitchen getting a little steamy, can be a cost-effective way to prevent condensation.
Also check your windows, and seal any gaps letting cold air inside, or consider buying an insulation kits for as cheap as £4.99 on Amazon. These come as a clear film you can cut to size to stick on your window and block out cold drafts.
What to avoid:
- Long showers – more steam is generated in your bathroom, so switch the fan on or open a window.
- Drying laundry inside – switch on a dehumidifier to remove moisture from clothes, or place airer near an open window to increase ventilation
- Keeping windows closed while cooking
What is condensation and why you need to tackle it:
Condensation is a build up of moisture on surfaces around the home that collects as droplets on a cold surface when humid air is in contact with it.
If left untreated or prevented, condensation turns into mould – and the toxic fuzz is not only dangerous for your health, but a nightmare to get rid of.
Adam Pawson, property expert at Safestyle, commented: "The main reason that condensation gathers is due to factors inside your home, such as the ventilation and how many people live in the property, so there’s plenty of ways to try and prevent it.
“However small it may seem, it’s a problem that shouldn’t be ignored.
“If moulds, which contain allergens and toxic substances, begin to form in your home it has been proven to cause serious problems for people with existing health conditions.”
When it comes to heating your home, Fabulous shared the quickest way without increasing your energy bills.
One TikTok influencer also suggested keeping all your windows open when it's freezing outside, to get a warm home.
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