Viral hack to banish condensation could ‘cost you thousands’

With the winter temperatures settle in, many are already returning to the bane of wiping down their bedroom windows every morning as the water droplets collecting from condensation overnight threaten to bring mould and damp into every warm corner of your home.

While some are brave enough to leave their windows open overnight to avoid this, others are turning to social media for tips and tricks to banish this condensation for the next few months.

However, a viral hack on TikTok could be more dangerous than Brits realise.

The tip recommends spreading washing-up liquid on windows to prevent condensation from accumulating on the glass.

Adeel Ul-Haq, a bedroom expert from BunkBeds.co.uk, warned that while this hack technically works, the results aren’t as they seem.

The water that doesn’t stick to the windows doesn’t simply disappear, it attaches to the next available surface, which is likely to be your walls, ceilings and window frames.

This can encourage the growth and spread of damp or even mould, which could impact your health and your wallet. The expert dismissed the hack as “useless” and even “borderline silly”.

He further explained: “While no one wants mould in their home, it’s far easier to wipe the mould away from your PVC window frames than it is to get rid of it if it soaks into your frames or walls, it’s far more costly to fix too.”

He warned that washing-up liquid could also erode the seals on your windows, allowing more moisture in and potentially leading to mould growing between the window panes, resulting in even more expensive repairs.

Instead, Adeel suggested some other methods to banish condensation: “Your first option is to use a window vacuum or squeegee to remove excess moisture every day, or the second option is to use a dehumidifier.

“Dehumidifiers can be expensive, but if you use one you could save some money on your heating bills as removing moisture from your home will allow your home to warm up quicker.”