As meteorological autumn begins and temperatures drop, households are being urged to place a bowl of salt on windowsills to help tackle condensation. Salt has excellent moisture-absorbing properties, which can effectively soak up water vapour from the air and prevent condensation from developing on windows.
Why condensation forms in autumn
Condensation forms when warm air inside a home meets the cold surface of glass, cooling quickly to create water droplets. This tends to be more pronounced in cold and wet weather, and the Met Office is forecasting rainy and windy conditions across parts of the UK over the weekend and into next week.
If left unchecked, condensation can lead to a build-up of black mould and mildew around window seals, which can be damaging to health. It can also cause damp patches and possible health risks if moisture is allowed to build up.
How salt helps prevent damp
Experts recommend placing a bowl of salt on windowsills around the home to help dry the air near the window, thereby reducing the amount of water droplets that form on the cold glass and helping to reduce dampness.
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.”
Cheap and effective solution
A bottle of table salt can be bought for just 65p at Morrisons or Aldi, making it a cheap and natural way to battle condensation during the cooler and wetter autumn season.
According to MyJobQuote, minor condensation repairs for double glazed windows could range between £300 and £500, making salt a small but effective tool that can make a big difference in keeping a home drier throughout the colder months.
Lottomart added: “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.”
