You probably may have noticed by now, but condensation is starting to form on our windows. The pesky problem occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a colder surface, as it causes the water vapor in the air to cool down, lose energy and change from a gas to a liquid.
This change takes place because warmer air can hold more moisture; however, as it cools to its dew point, it becomes saturated and releases the excess water as liquid droplets on the cold surface. It often happens at this time of year, and it’s really annoying but, thanks to a cleaning expert, you don’t have to worry any more.
Lynsey Crombie, TV’s Queen of Clean, previously shared a brilliant hack to prevent condensation, and it’s proven to work. According to her, all you need is a 91p product to prevent condensation and rid it for good.
In a clip shared on TikTok, Lynsey said her mum actually told her about the trick, and it’s blown people’s minds. It seems you only need to look inside your cleaning cupboard to find the answer to your household prayers.
Over a video demonstrating what to do, Lynsey said: « Rub a tiny drop of washing up liquid vigorously onto the glass. As it’s such a small amount, you won’t be left with smears. »
She continued: « This will create a barrier and stop condensation. » That’s simply all there is to it, and it’s been dubbed an « amazing » tip.
The video has been viewed thousands of times since it was shared and, elsewhere online, people have raved about the trick. One person said: « Brilliant for keeping condensation away. »
Another added: « I’ve been doing this for 40 years – no sarcasm intended. » A third replied: « Omg, will try this. »
Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: « Window cleaner here. 100% cleaning windows the traditional way – this is the best method. »
If you’re a bit confused about why the method works, all can be explained. There is a little science behind the quirky technique.
Why does washing up liquid work?
Applying a thin layer of the product to a dry window can help prevent condensation as it creates a barrier to prevent the water droplets from forming. To try the trick out, all you need to do is rub a tiny amount of neat washing up liquid onto the dry glass with a dry microfibre cloth.
Once you’ve done this, it’s essential that you buff it until there’s no residue. While this is an effective short-term fix for window condensation, people are advised to be careful when doing so.
Avoid getting the mixture on window seals, as it could lead to damaging them. It’s also considered a short-tem fix, as you do need to keep re-applying the product to witness good results.
Anyone who experiences severe condensation issues may want to think about investing in a dehumidifier or improving indoor ventilation to lower indoor humidity levels. These methods can really help the issue too.
If you’re really struggling, you could also contact a professional for advice. It’s best to gain expert advice before trying anything you’re unsure about.
