Ideas to help tackle condensation in your home

Condensation on windows is a common cold weather frustration. It happens when warm, moist indoor air meets a cold glass surface and turns into water droplets. While upgrading to triple glazing or turning up your heating can help, neither option tackles the root of the problem, which is excess moisture in the air.  

Condensation is the leading cause of mould in homes across the UK. If left untreated, it can create the conditions for mould to grow so it is important to deal with the problem quickly and effectively. A few changes can make a big difference. 

Find the main moisture areas 

Bathrooms and kitchens produce the most moisture in most homes. In the bathroom, keep the door closed when having a bath or shower. Then use an extractor fan or open the window for at least 15 minutes afterwards. This should stop the humid air spreading to cooler rooms where condensation is more likely. In the kitchen, use a cooker hood that vents outside if you’re boiling the kettle or cooking. Opening a window can also help balance the temperatures. 

Dry your washing without damaging your home 

Drying clothes indoors can release a lot more moisture into the air than you might expect. Whenever you can, try to dry your washing outside, even on colder days. But if drying inside is unavoidable, place clothes near an open window so excess moisture can escape instead of settling around your home. 

Tumble dryers are a quick alternative, but they can be costly to run. Heat pump dryers are the most energy‑efficient option, costing around £59 a year, while older vented and condenser models can cost more than twice as much.

If you do need to dry clothes indoors regularly, using a dehumidifier in a closed room can really help. Many have a dedicated laundry mode and typically have a running cost between 1p and 17p per hour to run. 

For homes that struggle with moisture more generally, a dehumidifier can also be a great long‑term solution. Prices start at around £100, and most units plug into the wall with no installation required. Pick a model that’s the right size for your space, switch it on, empty it regularly, and it will manage the humidity for you. 

Wipe it away 

If condensation forms, do not leave it sitting on windowsills. Each morning, wipe down the glass and frames. A window vacuum is another option, these gadgets suck up water from glass, mirrors, tiles and shower screens. 

Open the windows 

It might feel odd to open your windows on a chilly morning, but fresh air helps manage indoor humidity. 

A popular German approach called Stosslüften involves opening all your windows wide for about 5 minutes to create a strong through‑draught. It quickly replaces damp indoor air with drier outdoor air. As it’s such a short burst, the walls and furniture do not cool down too much and your home warms up again quickly. 

Use moisture absorbers 

Moisture absorbers are an affordable way to tackle damp in smaller spaces like wardrobes, cupboards, or even cars and caravans. They usually come in two forms: calcium chloride crystals that draw in moisture and collect it in a tank or reusable silica gel bags that can be dried out and used again. They’re generally not powerful enough for large rooms, but they are great as some extra help and maintenance and for smaller spaces like caravans. 

Home insurance 

By managing moisture and keeping condensation under control, you’re not just protecting your comfort now, you’re helping to look after your home for the long term. These simple steps can reduce the risk of damp, mould and damage to fixtures, as wear and tear is not generally covered in home insurance policies. Together, good home habits and the right cover can help keep your home healthier and happier all year round.