How to prevent condensation

There’s nothing more irritating than condensation. Most of us have experienced it at some point, but what if you could save yourself some time and stress by stopping it from appearing in the first place? Well then, let’s dive in with our tips on how to prevent condensation. (You can thank us later!) 

What is condensation?

Condensation is nothing more than tiny drops of water that form when warm air containing water vapour comes into contact with a cold surface – like a window or wall.  

But while condensation sounds harmless, it can turn into harmful black mould if it’s left for too long. It can also damage wallpaper, tiles and paint by getting behind them and causing them to swell. That’s why it’s a good idea to deal with condensation as soon as you see it.  

What causes condensation?

Condensation is more common in autumn and winter when surfaces such as windows and walls become colder. Because we spend more time inside during the cooler months, moisture and humidity builds up inside our homes. The air can’t escape, causing condensation to form on surfaces inside the house. 

Condensation is also caused by activities that produce steam and excess moisture, like:  

• Cooking 
• Baths and showers 
• Drying clothes on airers  
• Boiling a kettle 
• Breathing 
• Using a washing machine or tumble dryer 

Condensation doesn’t always form straightaway. Water vapour can lay dormant until the temperature drops low enough. 

How to prevent condensation: 4 Tips

1. Use a dehumidifier 

Placing a few dehumidifiers around your home can help prevent condensation by reducing the amount of moisture in the air. Our multi-pack dehumidifiers draw in moisture, maintaining a dry environment by stopping damp, mould, mildew and condensation in their tracks. There are scented dehumidifiers available, too, which add a delicate fragrance to the rooms you’re trying to tackle. 

2. Maintain a consistent temperature 

Condensation becomes a problem when the temperature inside your house keeps rising and falling. Instead, keep your home consistently warm to prevent sudden drops in temperature. You won’t have to worry about this in the summer, but autumn and winter is when you’ll need to keep an eye on your heating.  

3. Dry your clothes outside 

Drying clothes in the winter is a pain, but placing clothes on an airer or radiator is a sure-fire way to guarantee excess moisture in your home. Dry your clothes outside wherever possible – but if you can’t, place them in a bathroom and shut the door. Make sure the extractor fan’s on, as this will draw out the excess moisture from the room.  You can get that dried outside feeling with Lenor Outdoorable, so if you have to dry inside, you don’t compromise on lovely fresh washing!

4. Clear condensation regularly 

To stop condensation from turning into mould, clear it from windows and walls as often as you can. A window squeegee will do the job, or you can wipe it off with an ultra-absorbent cloth. Just remember to place a towel down before you remove the excess moisture. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a window vacuum cleaner to remove condensation in seconds.  

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