Wiping windows with washing-up liquid can keep them completely condensation-free all winter, a method that has been tested and proven to make a noticeable difference.
As autumn approaches and winter follows, condensation could soon cover windows. Savvy homeowners have tested various hacks for maintaining windows during the colder months, and one method has gained attention: using washing-up liquid. Applied to a cloth and wiped onto the glass, it leaves a thin barrier that prevents water droplets from sticking.
Why condensation forms and how the hack works
Condensation occurs when warm, humid indoor air meets cold glass. The sudden temperature drop forces moisture in the air to reach its dew point, turning it into visible droplets on the glass. While many people turn to dehumidifiers, these can be more costly, so some have suggested this affordable alternative.
Ideal Home tested the method and reported it “actually worked.” Online, others have also put it to the test.
Real-world test shows lasting results
On Instagram, Danni (@daniellehomelife) created a control area to demonstrate the method's effectiveness. She left a small section of her window untreated, and that section saw condensation reappear three days later, while the rest of the window remained condensation-free.
Washing-up liquid is an affordable fix, according to the report.
Other factors that cause condensation
One contributor to winter condensation is drying laundry indoors, which can release over two litres of moisture per load into the air. Whenever possible, clothes should be dried outside, where fresh air and sunlight naturally remove moisture. If drying indoors is necessary, it should be done in a well-ventilated room with a window ajar or a dehumidifier running to capture excess dampness, reports Good Housekeeping.
Five ways to stop condensation include clearing existing condensation, limiting moisture produced in the home, improving ventilation, upgrading insulation, and ensuring heating is set up sufficiently.
