Window condensation can be a real problem for many homes, so I tested two popular kitchen cupboard hacks to see which natural dehumidifier method, if any, actually works.
I regularly battle with mould and condensation on my windows because of how old my property is. Having covered home maintenance for a considerable period, I’m aware that it’s crucial to remove condensation from your windows or ventilate them briefly each morning to prevent moisture and mould building up inside your property.
Yet, throughout the colder season, every pane in my property becomes coated in a damp film, and I invariably begin my morning removing it either with a window vac or simply a standard squeegee to clear away this surplus moisture. Whilst I occasionally leave my dehumidifier operating to lower the humidity levels, I’ve been attempting to cut back on energy expenditure.
This prompted me to test how well kitchen staples would perform. According to several cleaning enthusiasts, products like baking soda and salt function as an effective “natural dehumidifier”.
I already had both salt and baking soda in my kitchen cupboard, so there was no need for a trip to the shops for these experiments.
To ensure a fair comparison, I used the same amount of salt and baking soda (125g) and conducted the tests on two nights with identical temperatures.
I began by trying out the salt hack. Given that I only used about 125g of the 70p salt, this tip cost me a mere 12p. Considering the low expense, I was hopeful that it would be as effective as many claim.
Regrettably, despite the hype surrounding this budget-friendly hack, I found that it didn’t make any noticeable difference to my condensation-covered windows.
Although the salt did fully harden, suggesting that it absorbed moisture, the windows were just as foggy as usual.
Next, I tried the baking soda method. Similar to salt, baking soda acts as a natural dehumidifier, absorbing excess moisture from the air and helping to reduce condensation build-up when placed on the windowsill.
Given my lack of success with the salt tip, I wasn’t expecting much. Again, just like with the salt, I added 125g of the £1.19 baking soda, costing 30p, to a small bowl and left it in the same spot overnight.
Surprisingly, I didn’t have to start wiping condensation off my window the next morning.
In fact, there was no condensation left on the windows and the powder only slightly hardened, indicating that it can be reused several times before needing to be replaced, unlike the salt.
