My windows were dripping wet with condensation and mini dehumidifiers didn’t help – but a 32p trick works wonders
THE temperatures are dropping and the harsh winter season has arrived which for millions means only one thing – waking up to dripping wet condensation on their windows.
A common annoyance for a number of people around the world, condensation is water droplets that form on a window when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface.
Not only can this make for an unsightly mess, but these water droplets can also lead to the growth of mould – which, in some cases, can be fatal.
Amongst those most vulnerable are newborns, young kids, elderly, as well as those with respiratory issues, allergies and asthma.
With the cold weather now in full force, thousands of desperate Brits have been taking to social media to seek advice and tips on how to deal with the issue.
One of them was also Lyndsey Daniels, a member of the popular DIY On a Budget Official page on Facebook.
Sharing a snap of her wet windows, the mum wrote that she had tried several measures – but with no luck, and to make matters worse, one of her kids was also prone to respiratory tract infections.
”Can anyone advice what I can do to help with the condensation on all our bedroom windows???
”The little pots don’t work really in the rooms and now the window ledge is getting bad in the kids rooms ( pictures attached ).
”I open the windows every morning and wipe them down etc but they are completely dripping wet in every single bedroom.
”I get worried with mold setting it’s way in my youngest suffers with very bad chest infections (RSV),” Lyndsey shared her woes in the post.
”I looked on amazon and there was a seal or something but not sure if this would even work?”
Fortunately for the mum and anyone else on the lookout for cost-effective ways to tackle the common issue, the post was soon inundated with more than 200 responses.
Dozens of Facebook users flooded to comments where they offered a helping hand, with tips ranging from mini dehumidifiers and ventilating.
One wrote: ”Open windows during the morning whilst you might not need to heat and then close everything up with dehumidifier on during the later afternoon and overnight.”
Someone else chimed in: ”I bought a Meaco dehumidifier cost £180 2 years ago and is still pulling moisture out of my home, would not use anything else.”
Safety warnings if using cat litter
Scroll down for a full list of safety warnings if using cat litter as a condensation hack.
- Keep it out of reach: Keep cat litter out of reach of children and other pets.
- Avoid inhaling dust: Many clay-based cat litters contain crystalline silica, which can create dust that is harmful to inhale. Use cat litter in a well-ventilated area.
- Wash hands: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling cat litter.
- Seek medical attention: If cat litter is ingested, seek medical attention immediately.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Store cat litter in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat.
- Don’t flush: Never flush cat litter into the toilet. The mineral in cat litter can form large clumps that block wastewater lines.
- Dispose of properly: Dispose of used litter, feces, and excrement as described on the packaging. Many municipalities offer specific bins for large-scale composting or organic disposal.
- Avoid changing litter if pregnant: Pregnant women should avoid changing cat litter if possible. If you must change the litter, wear a mask and rubber gloves, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
- Be careful with self-cleaning litter boxes: Some self-cleaning litter boxes have been known to kill cats.
However, there was also another, less known hack that some people swore by – and it costs mere pennies.
”I put a couple of socks filled with cat litter in on the windowsill, that seems to have done the trick for me,” commented a helpful member of the page.
”Cat litter in little jars,” a second fan of the purse-friendly trick added.
Although it may sound like an unusual way to deal with the problem, the science behind this hack is simple – cat litter works for condensation because it’s designed to absorb moisture, similar to how it absorbs cat urine.
”It won’t be as effective as a dedicated dehumidifier, but it can help. Just place it in an old sock or bag, tie it up and let it do the job,” explained the pros at Speedy Hire.
”Replace this monthly, as it will smell once thoroughly damp.”
Shoppers can snap up this pet essential from a number of retailers, including Amazon, as well as The Range, where you can find a 5l bag for a mere £3.29.
This bag will be enough for ten cups for the hack – meaning it costs just 32p per use.