As temperatures plummet across the UK, a familiar and frustrating problem returns for many households: condensation on windows. This damp issue, which can lead to mould if left unchecked, is particularly prevalent during the colder months. Fortunately, a popular cleaning expert on TikTok has shared a trio of straightforward hacks to help keep windows clear.
The Viral Three-Step Method from Cleaning With Lily
In a video that has amassed over 1.4 million views, social media cleaning guru Lily, known online as Cleaning With Lily, demonstrated her effective approach. She outlined a simple three-part strategy designed to tackle condensation at its source.
Her first, and perhaps most crucial tip, is to ventilate. "First things first, open those windows even when it rains," Lily advised in her clip posted on 22 December 2025. This allows moist indoor air to escape and be replaced with drier air from outside, reducing overall humidity levels.
Applying Washing Up Liquid and Using Dehumidifiers
The second step involves a common household item: washing up liquid. Lily recommends applying the liquid directly onto a cloth and then buffing it into the window panes. "It'll stop the condensation sticking to your windows," she clarified. In a follow-up video, she answered common viewer questions, confirming that the liquid should not be diluted nor washed off afterwards. "The washing up liquid acts as a film on the windows to stop the condensation," she explained, noting the effect lasts a couple of days before reapplication is needed.
For her third hack, Lily showcased non-scented hanging dehumidifiers, which absorb excess moisture from the air. "You're going to hang them behind your curtains," she directed. "They are very discrete, they can't be seen and they collect all of that damp water - they're a complete game-changer." She mentioned these are available from retailers like Poundstretcher, Home Bargains, and B&M, and preferred them over bulkier disposable versions that sit on the sill.
Why Condensation Worsens in Winter and How Heating Helps
Condensation forms when warm, moisture-laden air meets a cold surface, like a window pane. Your heating regime plays a significant role in how much condensation builds up. Warmer air can hold more moisture, so if you heat one room highly while leaving others cold, condensation can be worse in the cooler spaces.
To manage this, guidelines from the World Health Organisation suggest maintaining a minimum temperature of 21°C in living rooms and 18°C in bedrooms. It is often recommended to keep heating on a low, consistent setting throughout the day during cold weather to help control moisture levels and prevent condensation.
Act Quickly to Prevent Mould Growth
If condensation does appear, it is vital to act swiftly. Make sure to wipe down wet surfaces to prevent mould spores from taking hold and spreading. Should any black mould marks develop, a clean with a mild bleach solution or a dedicated anti-fungal spray is advised.
The response to Lily's tips has been overwhelmingly positive, with one TikTok user commenting: "Needed this! Moved house and we're getting condensation and mould. I have started wiping." With these practical and affordable hacks, battling foggy windows and protecting your home from damp this winter becomes a much simpler task.
