Articles by Anita McSorley

Technology

Window condensation problem solved with viral cleaning hack

The first sign that winter is coming to Ireland will arrive this weekend as a cold snap engulfs the country. Met Eireann is warning that temperatures could plunge as low as 2C after dark, while daytime highs struggle to reach double figures. For many households, the drop in temperatures means one frustrating problem is about to appear - condensation on windows. Those beads of water that fog up your glass happen when warm, moist indoor air meets cold surfaces, and while they may seem harmless, left unchecked they can lead to mould growth - a potential trigger for asthma , eczema and bronchitis. Experts say there are three key ways to tackle condensation - improve ventilation, reduce indoor moisture and upgrade to double or triple glazing. But for those who don't fancy opening their windows during freezing weather , there are simpler, low-cost solutions that have been going viral online . A post in the popular Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook group sparked a flurry of advice after one user shared a picture of her daughter's bedroom window drenched in condensation, asking for solutions. They said: "Hi this is my daughter's bedroom window it's dripping, any ideas on how to stop it. Thanks.xx." The post gained hundreds of responses including useful and cheap suggestions to reduce condensation for good with common household items. One person said: "I've heard cat litter in a sock? We have a similar issue with all our upstairs window. It is to do with the moisture in ur home." Another commented: "A sock full of cat litter on the window sill helps." A third agreed: "Kitty litter, put it in a few odd socks, set it on the window absorbs the moisture and then refill as needed.. cheapest option out there and smells nice. Also I keep a couple smaller ones in my car to stop the windows steaming up as I call it...works a treat." Cat litter naturally absorbs moisture from the air, and by placing socks filled with a handful of pellets around the home, excess condensation is reduced. For best results, the socks should be replaced monthly as they become damp and may start to smell. One woman said she uses salt "in a bowl" for her "caravan in winter" and it’s "works a treat". Another replied: "I agree we tried on our patio doors worked a treat." Someone else wondered: "How much salt do you need to use? I tried a little in a candle tea holder and it didn’t work?" And another user explained: "We used a ramakin dish and filled half way." One more person revealed: "My sons window is like this. I put a couple of tablespoons of salt on a small plate as suggested on this website and it worked. Took about one day to work but no condensation anymore." To which someone replied: "Thank you ever so much who said to put a plate of salt on the windowsill for condensation. I was shocked. It really does work. No more wiping windows in the morning." Salt is highly absorbent and one of the cheapest ways to create a makeshift dehumidifier. Experts say once the salt has blackened or becomes wet, it means it has reached its maximum level of saturation and should be changed. One woman suggested: "The disposable dehumidifiers are really good / just place one in the corner of the windowsill - pound shop or poundstretcher sell them." Another seconded this: "Buy from Amazon some cartons with a substance in that absorbs the moisture, keep checking them though because they fill up quickly." Moisture absorbers, also known as disposable dehumidifiers, are very simple devices. They typically come as a plastic container that holds some kind of crystalized desiccant or absorbent chemical. The crystals naturally absorb water from the surrounding air and this causes a chemical reaction makes the crystals liquefy and drip into the water container. Amazon sells the popular UniBond AERO 360 Moisture Absorber for €13.79 . For homes battling condensation on a number of windows, Amazon also sells a five pack of the ANSIO Dehumidifier for €8.93 . In addition to these hacks, it's advisable to wipe down the water each morning. Cleaning enthusiasts recommend using a shower squeegee and an old cleaning cloth or towel. Those willing to invest a little more can try handheld window cleaners, such as the Karcher Window Vac which suck up excess moisture for an effortless, streak-free finish. Amazon currently has it on offer for €80.64 , down from its original price of €109.99. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here .