As the winter of 2026 deepens, households across the UK are grappling with the dual challenge of staying warm affordably and combating the persistent seasonal issue of condensation and mould. Many are seeking instant, low-cost solutions to protect their homes and wallets.
The condensation conundrum facing renters
Frustration with this damp problem was recently highlighted on Reddit, where a user detailed their year-long struggle in a rented flat. Every morning, the windows were covered in water droplets, a situation their landlord suggested solving by keeping windows open. However, with the January chill, this advice proved impractical, leaving the occupant cold and still facing condensation, particularly in a kitchen with inadequate extraction.
The simple, free solution revealed
In response to the plea for help, a user known as 'BibbleBeans' offered a remarkably straightforward piece of advice that left many surprised by its simplicity. The key hack involves ensuring your curtains are tucked behind your radiators. This prevents precious heat from escaping into the window cavity and helps keep the glass warmer, drastically reducing condensation formation.
"It's odd that there's people who don't know this. It's pretty much covered in school isn't it? Within science classes?," the commenter remarked, emphasising the basic science of heat flow behind the tip.
Additional steps for a comprehensive fix
BibbleBeans and other users suggested further complementary actions for a complete solution. Firstly, managing airflow is crucial. Opening windows slightly on a trickle vent setting, especially during cooking and at night, was highly recommended to allow moisture to escape without drastically cooling the room.
For kitchens with poor extraction, a clever workaround was proposed: use any standard fan blowing out of an open window to act as an extractor fan. Cooking with the kitchen door closed, where possible, helps contain moisture in that single room, making it easier to ventilate.
The original poster later updated their thread, confirming that opening windows slightly during the day made a "big difference", leaving only manageable dampness in the mornings. This successful outcome demonstrates that combating condensation and the threat of mould doesn't require expensive gadgets like dehumidifiers, but rather smart, cost-free adjustments to daily habits and home setup.
This collective wisdom from online forums provides a powerful reminder that sometimes the most effective solutions for reducing condensation, preventing mould growth, and protecting against inflating energy bills are also the simplest and cheapest.
