Window condensation can lead to mould, and a simple cleaning trick using a £1 kitchen staple could help keep bathroom windows clearer. A tiny amount of washing-up liquid applied to the glass can stop water droplets from building up, preventing the window from fogging over.
Allan Reid, uPVC specialist and founder of Art Windows and Doors, says the trick is worth trying if a bathroom window constantly steams up.
How the washing-up liquid trick works
“Putting washing-up liquid on your window probably sounds a bit odd, but it can actually work quite well,” says Reid. “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.”
The trick is not to use too much. “You definitely don’t want to cover the window in washing-up liquid,” he says. “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.”
Why it works and extra tips
It works because the washing-up liquid changes the way water sits on the glass. “Rather than loads of little droplets sitting all over the window, the moisture can spread out more evenly across the surface,” Reid explains. “So instead of your whole window looking like it has disappeared behind a cloud of steam, it can stay a lot clearer.”
Reid also recommended opening the window or using an extraction fan when having a shower, and wiping away heavy condensation afterwards rather than letting water sit around the frame and sill.
“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,” Reid adds. “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 says ventilation is worth looking at if condensation is a regular problem. “If your bathroom window is constantly dripping with water, the bigger issue is usually the amount of moisture in the room,” he says. “A quick hack can help with the glass, but keeping the room well ventilated is still one of the best things you can do.”
