As temperatures across the UK fall and autumn takes hold, condensation on windows becomes a growing concern for many households. Left unaddressed, it can escalate into a more problematic issue.
Cleaning enthusiast Lily, widely known as Clean with Lily on TikTok, has shared several tips households can put into practice. No specialist equipment is required — the solution may already be in a kitchen cupboard.
In her video, Lily said: "It's coming into that time of year where we all get condensation on our windows. And here are a few things I do to keep it away."
How to prevent window condensation
To tackle condensation directly, Lily recommends buffing a small amount of washing up liquid onto the glass. It can be applied straight onto a microfibre cloth, or mixed with water in a spray bottle and buffed into the window surface.
She said: "This will create a film and keep the condensation away."
Lily also urged people to open windows each morning, even in cold or wet weather, to allow fresh air to circulate. The washing up liquid works by reducing the surface tension of water, enabling it to spread uniformly across the pane and stop water droplets from forming.
However, it is crucial to use the right amount, as too much or too little could leave a soapy residue on the glass, resulting in streaks.
Temporary fix, experts warn
Sara Hesikova wrote for Ideal Home: "So when I gave this hack a try, I did something similar - I only wiped half of the affected area with the soapy cloth, leaving the other half untreated to see if it would make any difference with stopping my window condensation."
"And, sure enough, it has! The treated area showed no sign of condensation the next day, while the untreated was stricken with it."
However, washing-up liquid should only be employed as a temporary fix. Repeated use can damage the windows themselves and, in certain instances, create conditions where mould can thrive.
Valeria Velikova, cleaning expert at Fantastic Services, told Ideal Home: "Window fitters and manufacturers do not recommend using washing up liquid on windows because it can damage the rubber seals around your windows. Failed double glazing can then cause moisture to develop in between your window pains causing the glass to fog up and mould to develop."
Glazing refurbishment specialists GLRE also concurred that washing up liquid should be treated as no more than a short-term fix. Their experts noted the hack functions by forming a thin film that reduces surface tension, preventing water droplets from settling on a cold surface.
GLRE cautioned: "Remember, it's a temporary solution and may not completely stop condensation, especially on colder days. It's best applied to the bottom of the windows where condensation tends to accumulate the most."
