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The autumn weather has really been setting in recently, and with snow expected in the Highlands next week, it's safe to say that winter is just around the corner. But cold weather can have severe effects on Scottish homes. During the winter, water droplets on windows and moisture in the air can lead to mould which can be harmful to both homes and our health. Damp conditions can be a real issue for these with underlying health conditions, such as respiratory illnesses, and they can even damage the structure of our homes if left untreated. While condensation can feel like an unpreventable part of winter, there are some simple hacks that can decrease the amount of damp and moisture in your property. Interior experts at Make My Blinds previously revealed six ways to help minimise condensation in your home, sharing some top tips to conquer the eyesore and potential health impacting concern. READ MORE: 'Incredibly fast' power bank plummets from £200 to £26 in limited time deal READ MORE: Dunelm shoppers can snag 'fabulous' electric blanket for £7 this autumn Closing the curtains can help keep the heat inside your home, stopping draughts from making their way in. While this can make your home warmer, closing your curtains can also stop windows from being heated by central heating which can actually lead to condensation. Try and keep curtains open during the night, especially if you have blinds to use for privacy. Using your oven, stove, or even using your kettle to make a hot drink can produce a lot of steam in your kitchen, adding a significant amount of moisture to the air. It is best to open up your windows when cooking or preparing snacks to allow the steam to leave your home and stop condensation appearing on windows and walls. If the unpredictable Scottish weather allows, you should try to dry your clothes outside instead of popping them on radiators or on an airer in your home. Drying clothes indoors is a big cause of condensation as the moisture is trapped in the house. If you are unable to dry washing outside, place it in a room with plenty of windows that can be opened to allow moisture to escape. Constantly turning your heating off and on will increase the chances of condensation in the home due to sudden drops and spikes in temperature. To help avoid this, try keeping your heating on for a little longer but at lower temperatures. This will help with condensation by preventing the glass in your windows from getting cold and covered in moisture. While we may love taking a long hot shower in the winter, this can actually build up a lot of steam and in turn lead to lots of condensation in your home, as spending longer in the shower means more steam is produced. Make sure to open your bathroom window before jumping in the shower and try to take a shorter time to help reduce the level of steam being released into your house. Investing in a dehumidifier can be a huge help if your property is prone to condensation. While some devices can be pricey, there are budget friendly options too. For example, Amazon offers the Tenker Dehumidifier that holds 2.2 litres of water and costs £63.99 on its current offer. Or, Debenhams offers the larger Homcom 12 Litre Dehumidifier for £79.99 on its current 63 per cent discount.
