Window condensation can quickly lead to mould growth in your home, but one simple kitchen item has helped keep my windowsills dry and mould-free
Battling condensation on windows can seem like a relentless chore during the winter months, but I’ve found an effective method to keep the glass moisture-free without having to wipe it down daily. Mould often becomes a significant issue in the colder seasons, but I didn’t truly grasp its severity until last month when I spotted some green patches along my kitchen windowsill.
Upon closer inspection, it became apparent that this was the onset of mould growth, which was rapidly spreading onto the wall and perilously close to a nearby wooden shelf. Given that I thoroughly clean my kitchen at least once a week, I was taken aback by how swiftly the mould had proliferated unnoticed.
If left unchecked for any longer, it could have resulted in hundreds of pounds worth of damage.
During this time of year, windows can become an ideal breeding ground for mould spores due to condensation, which occurs when the humid air inside a home comes into contact with a very cold surface, releasing all its moisture.
This condensation causes windows to remain damp for extended periods, and this persistent moisture can stimulate mould growth at a worrying pace.
If mould is hidden away in a corner, it can decay a windowsill, seep beneath wallpaper and become much more difficult to rectify without the need for professional intervention, reports the Express.
I’m thankful that I identified the mould issue early on and now appreciate the importance of wiping condensation from windows daily, although this isn’t always feasible during hectic mornings.
However, a remarkably straightforward solution has been found to prevent condensation on windows – simply placing a bowl of salt on the windowsill takes just seconds.
Salt possesses exceptional absorbent properties and can extract moisture from the air, eliminating humidity before it transforms into condensation.
How to use a bowl of salt to keep condensation and mould out of your home.
The method involves purchasing a large 1.5kg bag of cooking salt, costing under £2, and repurposing an old bowl that previously served as a candle holder.
The bowl is filled with salt and monitored daily. When the salt becomes clumpy, indicating it has absorbed excessive moisture, the bowl is rinsed under running water, dried thoroughly, and refilled.
Refilling the bowl requires mere seconds and has successfully maintained dry kitchen windows whilst preventing mould growth in surrounding areas. The simplicity of this technique has encouraged its implementation on bedroom and living room windows as well.
Nevertheless, condensation persists in particularly humid spaces within the home, such as bathrooms and laundry drying areas.
In these locations, rather than relying on salt, opening windows for 10 minutes daily to allow fresh air circulation helps eliminate surplus moisture.
Winter presents the greatest challenge for mould development, yet after more than a month of employing the salt and ventilation approach, no fresh spotty mould stains have emerged throughout the home.
