When outside temperatures drop and we turn on the heating, condensation can form on our windows, causing window damage and, if left untreated , can become dangerous wet spots .
MORE: 10 inexpensive ways to keep your home warm without paying for heating
Find out what causes condensation, the impact it can have on your health, and steps you can take to prevent it from wreaking havoc in your home this winter.
What causes condensation?
Condensation is common in winter.
Condensation occurs when the air in a room is warmer than the window surface temperature. It accumulates faster and more frequently in winter because we are more likely to turn on the heating, as well as our daily activities like cooking, showering, and even breathing.
Is condensation harmful to health?
The condensation itself is not harmful as it is just water. On wood or plaster, however, the material can absorb moisture and leave wet spots.
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Not only can this damage window frames, window sills and surrounding walls, it can also cause health problems from mold growth. It can cause breathing problems such as asthma and allergies, with babies, children and the elderly being most at risk, according to the NHS.
Opening the windows can help avoid condensation.
How to avoid condensation on windows
Kärcher cleaning experts have put together their top tips for combating condensation, including the essential moisture transport and how to prevent condensation from forming in the first place.
1. Remove moisture before it can settle
Absorbing or vacuuming moisture out of the room before it forms can be an easy way to combat condensation and prevent moisture from building up. Unconventional methods include putting kitty litter in a sock, tying it up, and placing it on a windowsill. Putting a bowl of salt on the windowsill also turned out to be a neat trick. If you can invest in the solution, there are great humidifiers on the market that suck all the moisture out of the air.
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2. Suck up moisture with a window vacuum
Cleaning condensation with a window vacuum can produce instant results with a simple wipe. The WV 6 Plus N is Kärcher's most advanced window vacuum, which effortlessly absorbs moisture and leaves smooth surfaces shiny and streak-free. Kärcher window vacuums also save time, because the powerful lithium-ion battery cleans up to 75 windows with a single charge and is therefore three times faster than conventional cleaning methods.
Window vacuums can also be used on any flat surface around the home including windows, showers and mirrors to ensure they stay spot and streak free.
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3. Deflate
Closing windows and doors in the winter months can have negative effects . Ventilating the home by opening the windows for just 20 minutes a day can significantly reduce the effects of condensation and dampness in homes. Keeping windows open during activities that cause high levels of humidity indoors, such as cooking, showering, and drying clothes, can also help minimize condensation.
4. Make sure your home is well insulated
It might be worth investing in re-insulating the walls of your home if condensation is a recurring problem in your home. Not only does this keep your home warm and reduce heating bills, but good insulation plays a major role in determining how much condensation collects and how long it takes to dry.
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5. Keep the room temperature controlled
Keeping the rooms in the house at a consistently warm temperature prevents surfaces from getting so cold that condensation can form. The heating does not have to be on all the time during the day, but a timer can be used to turn the heating on during the coldest periods or for an overnight period to take advantage of lower energy tariffs and save on energy bills. Keeping the surfaces warm prevents condensation from forming. Before turning on your heating for the first time during the winter, also take the time to bleed your radiators to make sure they are working properly.
6. Move your indoor plants and furniture
Consider removing plants from windowsills
Indoor plants that live on the windowsill naturally release moisture into the air. Consider placing them away from the window during the cooler months to reduce the amount of water they shed.
Furniture near the outer walls should also be pushed back as far as possible so that the air can circulate better. Your plants will thank you too, because window sills are often much colder in winter than in summer and plants want to keep room temperature all year round.
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