Applying a small amount of washing-up liquid to bathroom window glass can help prevent condensation and mould, according to a uPVC specialist. The simple trick leaves a thin layer that stops water droplets from building up, keeping the window clearer during and after hot showers.
How the trick works
Allan Reid, founder of Art Windows and Doors, explained that the method is straightforward. “Putting washing-up liquid on your window probably sounds a bit odd, but it can actually work quite well,” he said. “You only need a tiny bit. Once you spread it over the glass, it leaves a really thin layer that helps stop all those little droplets from building up.”
Reid warned against using too much. “You definitely don't want to cover the window in washing-up liquid. Just put a tiny bit on a clean, dry cloth, rub it over the glass and then give it a good buff until it looks clear,” he added. The moisture spreads more evenly across the surface, so the window stays clearer instead of disappearing behind a cloud of steam.
Steps to apply the hack
Ensure the window is clean and dry, then apply a small amount of washing-up liquid to a soft cloth. Wipe it across the glass, then buff with a fresh cloth until the window appears clear. Only a minimal amount is needed; too much leaves smears.
Reid also recommended opening the window or using an extractor fan after showering to remove moisture, and wiping away heavy condensation rather than letting water sit around the frame and sill.
Limitations and long-term care
Reid noted that the trick is not a complete solution. “Washing-up liquid is not going to stop condensation completely, because you are still creating a lot of moisture when you have a hot shower,” he said. “But it can be a handy little trick for keeping the glass clearer and stopping it looking like it has completely disappeared behind a layer of steam.”
He added that if the window is constantly dripping, the bigger issue is the amount of moisture in the room, and keeping the room well ventilated remains one of the best measures. The hack is a short-term measure rather than a lasting remedy, as it does not address the underlying cause and can deteriorate the rubber seals around the windows.
