We have already looked at what causes condensation; here we take a look at ways that you can deal with it.
Getting rid of condensation depends on at what stage you notice your problem; ideally, you will take preventative measures before the problem causes damp or mould. If you have noticed damp or mould starting to develop, it is worth speaking to a damp specialist to make sure that they are caused by condensation, and not something else, before taking the following measures.
Ventilate when using condensation-inducing appliances
This is simple yet extremely effective; try to do the following in the winter:
- Boiling vegetables on the hob? Reduce the amount of steam emitted into the air by boiling with the lids on (they’ll cook quicker too). Switch on the extractor fan and, if you don’t have one, try to keep a window open while you are cooking.
- Taking a shower? Keep the door closed and window open while you are showering and for a few minutes afterwards to avoid a build-up of condensation.
- Using the tumble dryer? Make sure the room is properly ventilated. If you use a vented tumble dryer with a flexible hose which goes out of the window during use, never use it without putting the hose well out of the window.
- Drying clothes on the radiator? Don’t. Drying clothes inside is a necessary evil for most people in wetter weather but when you put wet clothes on the radiator, you are literally inviting condensation in. What’s more, the wet, warm air produced by the combination of wet fabric and hot metal could cause immediate damage to wallpaper.
Try to improve air quality in your home
Many double-glazed homes were built before double glazing existed; adding double glazing locks air into buildings which are not equipped to provide sufficient ventilation. However, even newer properties can suffer from condensation. The first thing to do to get your condensation problem under control is to remove the existing water. Use a squeegee to get rid of droplets on mirrors, windows and glass doors as it starts to develop and use a soft, absorbent cloth to dry water on walls and furniture.
You can prevent future build-up of condensation quickly, easily and cheaply with dehumidifiers. Dehumidifiers literally suck air in, remove the water, and spit the air out again. You can buy a small dehumidifier for as little as £25. Invest in a few and put one in each room affected by condensation, then watch with satisfaction as the water tank fills up!
You can also help prevent condensation by making sure your home is evenly heated; keeping the heating on low and constantly is much better for your home than sudden changes in temperature caused by having it on high for a couple of hours a day. Thermostats will help you to make sure each room is of a similar temperature; for more information about the best boiler for your home, contact a reliable local plumber.