Five-minute method to get rid of condensation without increasing heating bills
Using a German 'shock ventilation' method each day can help to reduce moisture in your home
by Catherine Addison-Swan, Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz · ChronicleLiveCondensation is a common issue that many households face in the colder months - but there is a way to help tackle it without driving up your heating bills or investing in expensive gadgets.
Moisture build-up on windows and walls can be particularly prevalent in the winter, when the air outside is cold and dry and the air inside is warm and humid. And condensation can soon turn into an expensive problem if it is not treated, causing damage to window frames, walls and furniture as well as contributing to damp and mould growth - which can pose a health hazard as well as being an unsightly nightmare to clean once it spreads.
Experts recommend that home upgrades such as insulation and double glazing can help to combat the issue, while a dehumidifier is a more budget-friendly solution - one more unusual hack even involves putting cat litter in a sock to absorb the moisture. But there is one method that can take just a couple of minutes and won't cost you a penny, The Mirror reports.
According to Which?, one of the main reasons condensation occurs is due to poor ventilation in homes. This means that moist air, which is caused inside homes by things like cooking, showering and drying laundry, has nowhere to escape - but this can be remedied by simply opening your windows.
The consumer experts advise: "This can be as simple as remembering to open windows when you're at home or, if you have windows that lock when partly open, leaving them like this more often will help." There are also more permanent solutions you can look into, such as adding window vents to the top of window frames or roof ventilation tiles.
Now, we know what you're thinking - the last thing you want to do is let all that cold winter air into your home, especially when most of us are trying to keep our energy bills down. However, opening your windows for just a few minutes each day could go a long way to getting rid of condensation - this is a German method called Stoßlüften, which translates as 'shock ventilation'.
It involves opening all windows for as little as five minutes each day to let fresh air in, and is considered such an important practice in Germany that it is sometimes required as part of lease agreements. This will help to change the air quickly and reduce moisture build-up, while being a short enough burst that your house doesn't get cold while you're at it.
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