As winter sets in, the side effects of cold temperatures begin.

These can include chapped skin, slippery sidewalks, and car windshields covered in snow. But you don’t need to go outside to face a wintery disadvantage because one appears right in your home: window condensation.

Many people wake up to see their windows fogged up, causing dampness all around the window panes.

This could lead to mildew and mold as well as wood warping and paint peeling. An obvious solution is to dry the affected windows every day with a microfiber cloth, but many people don’t have time for another chore during the morning rush. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to prevent this cold-weather side effect.

Keep Windows Clear With a Drop of Dish Soap
Cleaning expert Lynsey from her blog Queen of Clean shared an easy hack with her TikTok followers. She heard it from her mother, a retired cleaner, who swears by this method. First, dry off the window then rub a small amount of liquid soap over the glass with a cloth. This will repel the condensation, leaving the windows clean and clear the next morning. [1]

“Pop a tiny amount of [washing up liquid] onto a dry microfiber cloth and rub all over the glass pane,” she writes on her website. “You won’t get smears as you are using the tiniest amount. This creates a barrier and prevents condensation. This is such a brilliant old school tip that works so well.” When the barrier is no longer as effective, wash off the soap, dry the glass, and reapply.

@lynsey_queenofclean Window condensation #fyp #queenofclean #tip #windowtip #condensation ♬ Right Here Right Now – Fatboy Slim

However, exercise caution when using this hack. Although it can be effective, it could lead to some unwanted consequences if used long-term. Namely, the droplets may not fog up the windows but they have to go somewhere. So they might appear as water stains or mold on walls, ceilings, window frames or other porous surfaces. The water may also damage the rubber seals around the windows. To be on the safe side, experiment with other methods to prevent condensation.

The Salt-on-the-Windowsill Hack
This tip requires only one ingredient: salt. And the method is simple. Place bowls of salt on the affected windowsills and leave them overnight. In the morning, most of the condensation would have gone into the salt. There may be some water left on the windowsill that could be dried with a quick wipe. This can be a great improvement compared to mopping up a cup’s worth of condensation from the window regularly.

Some commenters on TikTok found that their salt lamps had the same effect. Others recommended trying this hack with baking soda instead of salt, replacing the baking soda when it hardens from all of the moisture.

@naziaxhome Replying to @Sensibelle this worked on one of the windows when the bowl was directly underneath it #condensationtips #condensationhack #condensationtok #condensationonwindows #condensation #cleaninghacks #cleaninghack #cleaningtiktok #cleaningtips ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey

More Expert Tips to Fix Window Condensation
If neither of these hacks appeal to you, there are many other ways to keep your windows dry. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect solution for your home but it’s worth the effort in order to prevent mold and water damage. Here are some tips to try:

Improve your home’s ventilation by leaving the window open a crack or using a trickle vent.

Improve the insulation in your home by double glazing the windows and draught proofing.

Install extractor fans in rooms with high humidity levels, such as bathrooms and kitchens, and turn them on whenever you cook or shower to reduce any condensation buildup.

Place a good dehumidifier in a central area. (This will also help dry clothes faster in the winter months.)

House plants (especially spider plants, snake plants, aloe vera plants, and peace lilies) can help reduce condensation by absorbing dampness.