By Aakifah Gani,Claire Schofield,Taite Johnson

Copyright walesonline

The warm summer sun has gradually been replaced by looming grey clouds, blustery winds and rain in recent weeks, signalling the arrival of autumn. The erratic weather , coupled with falling temperatures, indicates that it won’t be long before we’re turning up the heating and retrieving our winter coats from storage. The change in seasons also means you’ll start to notice condensation forming on your windows, particularly in the mornings when temperatures are usually at their lowest. When the warm air inside your house meets the cold window surface, it cools down and forms water droplets, resulting in condensation. This stagnant water can then lead to a build-up of mould and mildew around your window, which if not tackled, can be detrimental to your health. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here Luckily, there’s an incredibly cost-effective solution that can help keep your windows dry this autumn and prevent condensation from forming, reports the Mirror . You don’t need an expensive, high-end dehumidifier to extract moisture from the air in your home – salt can do the job. Salt is a common item that most households have in their kitchen cupboards, and it has excellent moisture-absorbing properties. If placed strategically around your home, it can be used to absorb water vapour from the air, keeping your windows free of condensation as a result. Simply place a bowl filled with salt (ordinary table salt or rock salt will do) on your windowsills and allow it to absorb moisture from the atmosphere. This method will help in keeping the air around your window less humid and reduce the amount of water droplets that form on the glass. Experts at Money Wellness explain: “Salt is one of the most absorbent natural products available. Half fill small ramekins with salt and place them near windows. “You should notice a difference quickly, with condensation levels dropping after just a day. It’ll turn black or become wet once it has reached its maximum level of saturation and should then be changed.” Condensation becomes more common as homes heat up and outdoor temperatures drop, and if moisture is permitted to build up, it can lead to damp patches, mould, and possible health risks. Your central heating can greatly affect how much condensation forms in your home, as the warmer the air gets, the more moisture it will hold. So, if you heat one room to a higher temperature whilst leaving other areas cold, condensation may be worse in the unheated rooms. To avoid this, World Health Organisation guidance suggests a minimum temperature of 21C in a lounge and 18C in bedrooms, and it’s recommended that heating stays on low throughout the day during cold weather to help control condensation. If you notice a build-up of condensation on your windows, it’s crucial to wipe down surfaces to prevent mould from forming and spreading. If you spot any black spots, clean your window with a mild bleach solution or anti-fungal spray. To absorb the moisture, place a bowl of salt on your windowsill, which will help tackle this issue in the coming months. Lottomart experts advise: “Regular condensation build-up isn’t just unsightly – it can become a breeding ground for mould, which poses risks to household health. “The method is really easy to follow. All you need to do is fill a small bowl or jar with table salt and place it on your windowsill. Once the salt clumps together, that’s your sign to replace it with a fresh batch to keep it working effectively.”