Does Vinegar Stop Condensation on Windows?
During the winter months when the temperature plummets, it’s not uncommon to notice condensation forming on our home’s windows.
Windows with condensation can be unsightly and even bad for your health, so it’s important the issue is addressed as soon as possible.
People often try to stop condensation from forming by applying vinegar to the windows.
But is it an old wives’ tale or does vinegar actually work?
In this blog, we’ll take a look at whether vinegar works on window condensation and other things you can do to combat the issue.
How does window condensation form?
Before exploring how to prevent window condensation, let’s take a look at how it forms.
The process of condensation is essentially the opposite process to evaporation. It occurs when water vapour in the air changes state from a gas to a liquid, which is why windows that are affected are always wet.
For condensation to happen the water vapour needs to lack warm air so that when it comes into contact with a cold surface, like a window pane in winter, it will turn back into liquid form. Windows are particularly susceptible to this process as they provide a place where the difference in temperature between indoors and outdoors is most significant.
Is window condensation harmful?
Condensation alone is pretty harmless, however, the moisture it causes creates the perfect environment for mould, mildew and other nasties to form and breed. The mould and other substances can then spread from the window to walls in your room and as well as looking unpleasant, it can actually cause a wide range of health problems for you and your household including allergies, harmful infections and even respiratory problems.
In addition to the issues mould can cause to human health, if untreated structural damage to your property can also occur. This is especially the case if you have wooden window frames as in extreme cases the damage can call into question your property’s structural integrity.
With all this in mind, it’s no surprise that people grow concerned and look for ways to prevent condensation from forming.
But does using vinegar work?
Read on to find out…
Does vinegar stop condensation on windows?
When condensation begins to form on windows during the colder months, many people head to their kitchen cupboards to use vinegar as a way of stopping it.
And while the acidic liquid can certainly help to clean and remove condensation which has appeared, it does not stop it from initially forming.
However, it’s still worth knowing the best way to use it as a condensation cleaner.
Mix two cups of water together with two cups of vinegar (white vinegar is the most recommended type to use). Then, add a few drops of washing up liquid to the solution. Now, you can apply the mixture to your windows with a cloth, wiping off the condensation.
Now you know that vinegar can be used as a window condensation cleaner but won’t prevent it from initially forming, you’ll probably be wondering the best ways to stop it entirely.
We’ll take a closer look at this in the section below.
Tips to prevent condensation on windows?
Prevention is always better than cure, and while you can use vinegar to remove and clean window condensation- you can try several things to stop it from forming altogether.
Let’s take a look at the best tips to prevent condensation.
Improve your home’s ventilation
Having a good flow of air and a well-ventilated home is one great way to stop condensation from forming. Allowing the air to move more freely around your property will improve the chances of the moist air from escaping and not settling on your windows as condensation. While you may be reluctant to do it during the colder months, keeping windows open is the best way to improve ventilation. Even having them open just a crack is better than nothing.
Remove moisture as soon as it forms
If you’re vigilant enough, you may be able to catch condensation before it has the chance to form. When you start to notice droplets of water forming on your windows, wipe them away with a damp cloth and apply a cleaning solution. By monitoring the areas on a daily basis, you can prevent condensation from occurring and turning into mould.
Ensure you have good insulation
Having good insulation in your home can help to keep warm air inside your home during the colder months. And this can help significantly when it comes to preventing condensation from forming. There are a number of great insulations you can install at your home to ensure condensation doesn’t form, including quality double glazing, wall insulation and draught proofing.
Install an extractor fan
An extractor fan draws moisture out of the air, sucking it into a ventilation system and expelling it from a property. They’re excellent at preventing condensation in bathrooms, which are damper environments and more prone to condensation and mould forming. If you do not already, consider having one installed at your property.
Use a dehumidifier
If you’re not keen on the earlier idea of keeping windows open to allow moist air to escape, a dehumidifier is a great choice for you. A dehumidifier is a type of air conditioning system that monitors the humidity levels of the air, and removing moisture from it. You can select the humidity level most suitable for your home, to ensure condensation doesn’t form.
Utilise house plants
Not only can house plants enhance the aesthetic of your property, they also have the surprising benefit of being able to minimise condensation. Many types of plants are able to remove water from the air in order to undergo the process of photosynthesis. Check out our blog on the best large indoor house plants that purify the air to find out the best options available.
Don’t dry clothes in the house
In the colder months, it may be tempting to just chuck your wet laundry onto a clothes horse to dry it rather than the cold outdoors. However, drying clothes inside can bring more moisture into the home, even if your windows are open. With this in mind, it’s recommended to still dry clothes outdoors even if the weather is colder.
