As the weather gets colder, an expert is urging homeowners to use simple household items on their windows to prevent condensation and mould from forming.
Salt and vinegar could come in handy away from the kitchen this winter
Households throughout Britain are being advised to deploy salt and vinegar on their windows as temperatures drop. With the condensation season now upon us, specialists are encouraging property owners to maintain their windows to avoid creating ideal conditions for dangerous black mould.
They suggest that basic kitchen staples like salt and vinegar might be sufficient to halt mould development. Mould can begin flourishing indoors just 24 hours following moisture exposure, making swift action essential as cold weather descends this week.
Martin Wong, co-founder of Bringnox Blinds, explained, “Most people wipe away condensation and move on, but that moisture keeps coming back. During colder months, the warm, humid air inside our homes meets cold window surfaces, and that’s when condensation settles. It often grows around frames, creating the perfect environment for mould to thrive unnoticed.”
Martin recommends these two natural methods to combat window condensation and mould:
- Position a dish of salt on your window ledge: salt has natural moisture-absorbing properties, drawing dampness from the surrounding atmosphere. A modest bowl positioned near each window should suffice for most properties, reports Plymouth Live. You’ll recognise when a replacement is needed, as the salt will look wet and begin forming lumps, usually within several days.
- Polish windows using a vinegar solution – craft your own eco-friendly window cleaner by mixing a splash of vinegar with water in a spray bottle. Vinegar acts as a natural mould destroyer, with its acetic acid content eliminating more than 80% of common household mould varieties. Apply the mixture lightly to areas where mould is present and allow it to work for a minimum of one hour before thoroughly cleaning the surface.
Martin explained: “These simple, chemical-free solutions tackle the moisture before it becomes a mould problem. Prevention is far easier than dealing with the health risks and property damage that come with established mould growth. Investing in insulated window curtains or blinds is one of the best long-term solutions.
“They create a thermal barrier that keeps warm air inside your living space. By maintaining a consistent temperature near your windows, you reduce that moisture build-up that usually causes condensation.”
