How to stop condensation on your windows with a simple routine

Water on your glass usually means too much moisture in the air or poor ventilation. This guide walks you through a simple routine to lower indoor humidity and keep windows dry. It suits any homeowner or renter dealing with foggy or dripping windows.

Why Is There Condensation Inside Your Windows? (How To Fix It), by Word Mouth on YouTube. 4 min 38 s.

Video length
4 min 38 s
Time to do it
30 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Steps
6

What you need

Steps

  1. Open a window in each room for 10 to 15 minutes in the morning. A short burst of fresh air swaps out damp indoor air faster than leaving a window slightly open all day.

  2. Run the extractor fan or open a window while you cook and shower, and keep it going for 10 minutes after you finish. Steam from these rooms is the biggest source of window moisture.

  3. Wipe droplets off the glass and frames with a towel or squeegee each morning. Dry the cloth outside so the water does not just go back into the room.

  4. Dry laundry outside or in a tumble dryer instead of on radiators indoors. Hanging washing inside adds several litres of water to the air.

  5. Check for leaks, blocked air bricks and gaps around windows, and fix them. Modern airtight homes trap moisture, so planned ventilation matters more.

  6. Measure the humidity with a cheap hygrometer and aim for 40 to 60 percent. If it stays higher, use a dehumidifier or ask about a heat recovery ventilator.

Tips and common mistakes

Condensation on the inside of the glass points to indoor moisture, while condensation between panes means the sealed unit has failed.

Do not block trickle vents on window frames, even in winter, as they keep a small airflow going.

Persistent damp and mould can affect health, so speak to a qualified professional if it keeps coming back.

Questions

Why do my windows fog up only in winter?

Cold glass cools the air next to it, and when that air reaches its dew point the water vapour turns into droplets. Winter makes the glass colder, so it happens more.

Will a dehumidifier stop window condensation?

It can help a lot by pulling moisture out of the air. Use it in the dampest room and empty the tank regularly so it keeps working.

Is condensation on windows dangerous?

Small amounts are normal, but constant moisture can lead to mould, which may affect breathing. Fix the source of the damp rather than just wiping the glass.

This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.

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