As a bitter winter grips the UK, a remarkably cheap household tip is being promoted by experts to combat the pervasive issue of window condensation. With energy prices still high, a simple bowl of rice could be the key to drier, healthier homes.
The Scale of the Condensation Crisis
Specialists are issuing stark warnings as condensation damp wreaks havoc in nearly one in five British households. The problem, exacerbated by residents keeping heating off to save money, leads to more than just misty windows. It can trigger mould growth, cause structural damage to walls, and provoke serious health complications like respiratory issues and skin irritations.
Chad Bragg, chief technical officer at insulation firm SuperFOIL, stressed the severity. "Condensation is a huge problem for many homes in the UK," he said. "It's more than just a nuisance. If left untreated, the moisture can create damp and mould, which may lead to health problems."
How the 50p Rice Solution Works
The budget-friendly hack involves placing a bowl of uncooked rice on a damp windowsill overnight. Chad Bragg explained the science: "Overnight, we breathe out warm, moist air. When this air hits cold glass, it condenses into water droplets."
Rice is naturally absorbent, acting as a simple, passive dehumidifier by drawing excess moisture from the air around it. While it doesn't solve underlying ventilation problems, it's a quick and accessible method to reduce immediate moisture buildup and protect windows and sills from water damage.
Additional Affordable Measures to Combat Damp
Mr Bragg emphasised that tackling condensation doesn't need to be expensive. He suggested other low-cost strategies alongside the rice method:
- Using radiator reflectors to direct more heat into the room, keeping walls warmer.
- Introducing moisture-absorbing houseplants, like spider plants, to help manage humidity.
- Improving ventilation where possible, even slightly, to allow moist air to escape.
With temperatures set to plummet further, this 50p trick, familiar to many from saving water-damaged phones, offers a glimmer of hope for households battling the winter damp without turning up the thermostat.
