Placing a bowl of salt on windowsills can keep windows dry this autumn and prevent condensation from developing, offering a cheap alternative to a dehumidifier.
As warm summer weather gives way to rain showers and cooler temperatures, condensation on windows becomes a familiar sight. It forms when warm air inside a home meets cold surfaces like windows and external walls, turning to water droplets as it cools. Keeping windows and doors closed to stay warm can worsen the problem by trapping humid air, while cooking, showering and drying clothes add extra moisture to the air.
How salt absorbs moisture
Salt has excellent moisture-absorbing properties. Placed strategically around the home, it can soak up water vapour from the air, keeping windows free of condensation. Experts recommend placing a bowl of regular table salt or rock salt on windowsills and leaving it to absorb moisture, which keeps the air around the window drier and reduces water droplets forming on the glass.
In its online advice on tackling condensation, home improvement website The Spruce said: “Placing a bowl of salt near the window can help to absorb moisture in the air before it can condense on the windows, though the amount of salt needed and the frequency with which you will have to replace the salt depends on the level of moisture inside the home.”
Health risks and heating tips
If moisture is left to build up, it can lead to damp patches, mould, and possible health risks. Heating plays a big part in condensation, as warmer air holds more moisture. Heating one room to a higher temperature while leaving others cold can make condensation worse in the unheated rooms.
To avoid this, World Health Organisation guidelines suggest a minimum temperature of 21C in a living room and 18C in bedrooms, and recommend leaving heating on low all day in cold weather to help control condensation. If condensation builds up, wipe surfaces down to prevent mould forming and spreading, and clean any black spots with a mild bleach solution or anti-fungal spray.
Experts at Lottomart said: “Regular condensation build-up isn’t just unsightly - it can become a breeding ground for mould, which poses risks to household health. The method is really easy to follow. All you need to do is fill a small bowl or jar with table salt and place it on your windowsill. Once the salt clumps together, that’s your sign to replace it with a fresh batch to keep it working effectively.”
