Ditch that ‘crusty’ boil of salt & stop condensation soaking your windows with a 5-minute ‘flush’ tip Germans swear by
WAKING up to frosty mornings often comes with an unwelcome guest – window condensation.
It’s a common nuisance, but if ignored, those harmless-looking water droplets can lead to bigger headaches like mould or peeling paint.
According to the English Housing Survey, 4% of the estimated 23 million households in England experience damp problems in at least one room of their home.
In a quest to tackle this everyday problem, indoor living experts at VonHaus decided to put some popular condensation hacks to the test.
From the quirky bowl-of-salt trick to the German “5-minute rule” and even the unexpected shaving foam method, they’re separating fact from fiction to help you keep your home dry and comfortable.
And if none of these tricks cut it? Don’t worry – VonHaus also dives into why a trusty dehumidifier might just be your home’s best ally during the colder months.
The German ‘5-Minute Rule’
Germans are renowned for their precision and practicality – and their knack for condensation control is no exception.
Enter the “5-minute rule,” a quick and simple ventilation method that’s as efficient as it sounds.
Here’s the gist: throw open your windows wide for just five minutes, ideally after cooking, showering, or during your morning routine.
This brief burst of fresh air flushes out humid, indoor air and replaces it with cooler, drier air from outside.
Admittedly, cracking the windows on a frosty morning might feel like inviting winter inside, but there’s solid science behind it.
Cooler air holds less moisture, so once it warms up indoors, your overall humidity levels drop.
While this method can be effective, it’s not a cure-all. If your home battles persistently high humidity, you’ll likely need a more robust solution.
A bowl of salt
Salt is a kitchen staple, but can it moonlight as a solution for window condensation?
The idea is simple: place a bowl of salt – rock salt is a popular choice – on your windowsill to soak up excess moisture from the air.
It sounds promising since salt is hygroscopic, meaning it naturally attracts water.
But here’s the catch: there’s only so much moisture it can absorb before it becomes saturated. It’s like a sponge – once it’s full, it’s game over.
For mildly damp conditions, this trick might help a little.
But if your home’s humidity levels are on the higher side, a lone bowl of salt won’t stand a chance against your steamy showers or bubbling pots of soup.
Plus, let’s face it, a crusty bowl of salt isn’t exactly interior design goals. For serious condensation woes, it’s best to look for a more substantial fix.
The shaving foam hack
The shaving foam trick – an internet sensation that promises fog-free windows with minimal effort.
The method is simple: rub a thin layer of shaving foam onto your window glass, then buff it off until clear. The surfactants in the foam create a barrier that stops water from clinging to the surface.
Does it work? Technically, yes – just not for long. The effect typically lasts a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the room’s humidity.
But let’s be honest, buffing foam off glass can be a hassle, and streaky windows aren’t anyone’s idea of success.
While it’s a fun experiment and might be handy for short-term fixes (like impressing guests), it’s far from a long-term solution.
Plus, if the condensation doesn’t settle on your windows, it could shift to other surfaces in the room.
Considering the cost and effort of frequent reapplications, a more robust solution is likely worth the investment.
The dehumidifier
If condensation hacks feel like a quick patch for a bigger issue, that’s because they often are. The real culprit? Excess moisture in the air.
And when it comes to tackling that head-on, a dehumidifier might just be the ultimate solution.
These handy appliances are built to pull excess moisture out of your home, keeping indoor humidity at an ideal 30-50%.
Aneesa Khan, Assistant Home Electricals Buyer at VonHaus, explains: “Unlike quick-fix hacks, dehumidifiers offer consistent, practical results without the guesswork.
“Modern models are energy-efficient and often feature smart sensors that automatically adjust to your room’s humidity – so you can set it and forget it.”
An expert's guide to removing mould and repainting walls
Not only does mould look ugly, but if it’s not treated properly it can impact your health.
Ronseal shared its guide to removing, fixing and preventing mould infestations.
You should only remove mould if it’s caused by condensation and covers an area smaller than one metre squared. If the mould is caused by sewage or contaminated water, call in a professional.
Before you start, wear goggles, long rubber gloves and a mask that covers your nose and mouth to protect you from the mould spores. Open the windows for added ventilation but keep the doors shut to avoid spores spreading.
How to remove mould from walls:
- Fill a bucket with water and mild detergent like washing up liquid. Or use a dedicated mould remover to make quick work of it.
- Dip a cloth in water and wipe the mould off the wall. Don’t brush it as this can release mould spores.
- Once you’ve removed the mould, use a dry rag to remove the rest of the moisture.
- Throw away the cloth and vacuum the room to make sure you’ve removed all of the spores.
How to paint over mould:
Never ever paint over mould without killing it first. It won’t tackle the source of the problem and will make it look worse.
Once you’ve treated the affected area, use a specialist anti-mould paint to finish the job.
Damp stains can be painted over with a suitable paint like Ronseal’s 6 Year Anti Mould Paint, so long as the damp has dried and the source has been treated. Some damp sealants can be applied directly onto a wet surface, so check the instructions before you begin.
For homes dealing with persistent condensation or mould, a dehumidifier is a game-changer.
Yes, there’s an upfront cost, but it’s an investment that pays off by preventing mould damage, preserving woodwork, and even improving indoor air quality – a huge win for anyone with asthma or allergies.
When you weigh the potential savings and health benefits, it’s hard to argue against bringing one into your home.
Conclusion
Each of these hacks has its charm, but none are perfect fixes for condensation woes.
The German “5-minute rule” is simple and eco-friendly, but it demands daily effort to be effective. The salt bowl trick?
Affordable and easy to try, but it’s no match for high humidity levels.
And the shaving foam hack? It’s a fun, short-lived experiment but not a practical long-term solution.
If you’re looking for a reliable way to keep condensation at bay, a dehumidifier stands out as the clear winner.
It’s effective, hassle-free, and built to handle the root cause – excess moisture – without relying on gimmicks.
What is mould and how to get rid of it?
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.
“That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.
“This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.
“If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there’s not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.
“This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.
“If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.
“The key to tackle mould is to act fast.
“Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.
“The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.
“If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”