Condensation is common in many UK households, often causing damp and unsightly problems. It’s a recurring problem due to high humidity levels and insufficient ventilation triggered by cold weather.
It can be challenging to tackle without investing heavily in central heating or enduring the winter chill with open windows. A dehumidifier is a potent tool for managing condensation, but salt is a popular suggestion if you’re on a budget or looking for quick home remedies.
The recent icy conditions across the UK prompted me to try this method as I noticed increased condensation in my bathroom. Following advice from experts at Posh.co.uk, a home and garden furniture brand, I filled a small bowl with salt and placed it on my windowsill.
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Andy Ellis, a specialist at Posh.co.uk, explained: “Salt has the ability to naturally absorb moisture from the air and essentially dries it out so that when it does come in contact with the glass, there are fewer droplets of condensation that will form.”
He added, “It’s a really easy trick that requires no effort at all. Simply fill a shallow bowl or a small jar with some salt—table salt or rock salt.”
Property experts agree that the right amount of salt is essential for combating window condensation. “Generally speaking, the larger the window, the more salt you’ll need, though usually one small bowl should be fine,” Andy advised.
Opting for a more economical approach, a small cup filled with table salt was chosen over rock salt. The results were noticeable immediately – condensation started clearing up from the bathroom windowsill the next morning.
There was still condensation post-shower, but it vanished much quicker overnight. The top part of the windowsill showed a significant improvement, with just a little water collected.
Condensation was reduced on the top of the windows but less so on the windowsill itself
(Image: (Image: Phoebe Cornish))
Salt has adsorption properties which means that it can bind to moisture and prevent it from developing condensation
(Image: (Image: Phoebe Cornish))
I keep a Himalayan salt candle holder in my bathroom to absorb moisture
(Image: (Image: Phoebe Cornish))
Andy recommends, “you’ll know when it’s time to replace [the salt] because the salt will appear damp and will begin to clump together.” This proved true after two days when the salt needed refreshing. Shaking it returned it to granular form and retained its effectiveness for a couple more days.
Additionally, pairing the salt cup with a Himalayan salt candle holder produced dual benefits, adding aesthetic appeal and utilitarian value in reducing bathroom moisture.
When lit with a tealight candle, the candle holder is placed in a bowl to gauge its moisture-absorbing capabilities fully. Salt candle holders can help reduce condensation in your home, as salt is hygroscopic, meaning it draws moisture from the air.
However, it’s worth noting that these salt candle holders may not significantly reduce condensation when unlit. Their moisture absorption relies on the heat generated by the candle, which evaporates the absorbed moisture. When they’re not lit, they’ll still absorb moisture but might not evaporate it quickly enough to make a significant difference.