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UK households are being told to smear shaving foam over windows this autumn for one key reason. With the clocks going back on Sunday (October 26), colder days are beginning to creep in. As temperatures drop inside our homes, the familiar sight of condensation may start appearing on windows. As well as being a nuisance, if ignored, it could lead to to mould, damp and damage to window frames. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE More than one in five homes suffer from condensation, and many households may be unsure how to stop condensation from building up. Helen Godsiff at home improvement specialists Eurocell has shared five top tips to prevent condensation, including a £1 shaving foam hack that anyone can try. A handy trick for tackling condensation involves something you probably already have in your bathroom cabinet - shaving foam. "When mirrors or glass surfaces fog up easily, a quick layer of shaving foam can help stop the moisture from clinging. All you need to do is spread a small amount over the surface and then wipe it away with a clean, dry cloth," the expert says. "It leaves behind a thin, invisible film that stops water droplets from forming, keeping the glass much clearer. "It won’t last forever, so you’ll need to reapply it occasionally, but it’s a cheap and easy fix that can make a noticeable difference, especially in steamy bathrooms or other damp spots around the home." Condensation forms when warm air meets the cold surface of glass, causing water to collect and build up. Everyday household habits can make this worse such as drying clothes indoors, which releases moisture into the air and raises humidity levels. "When that extra moisture has nowhere to go, it settles on cooler surfaces like windows, walls and ceilings, causing condensation. Over time, this can lead to issues such as mould growth, damp patches and damage to paint or plaster," explains Helen. "Drying your washing in a room with the window slightly open or in a well-ventilated space with good extraction helps prevent these problems and keeps your home healthier and more comfortable." The main cause of condensation is most likely due to poor ventilation when you are cooking or showering, which can build up steam, causing further condensation problems. "Extractor fans might be drawing enough moisture out of kitchens and bathrooms, so opening windows regularly in these areas can help to reduce moisture from the air, meaning less condensation build-up on your windows," Helen says. "Letting the trickle vents above your windows stay open or opening them for a short time each day allows fresh air to circulate, which helps stop moisture in the room from gathering on the glass." Making sure the areas around your window frames are well sealed can reduce condensation. "When there are gaps or cracks, cold air and moisture can sneak in and cool the surface, which encourages condensation to form," the expert says. "Take a close look around the frames for any small openings that might let air or dampness through, and use an appropriate sealant to close them up. "Even tiny gaps can cause problems, so it’s worth checking carefully. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the seals throughout the year, especially in the wetter winter months. "If water seeps in and freezes, it can weaken or damage window frames, but regular maintenance helps stop that from happening." Keeping your home at a consistent temperature is a simple but effective way to tackle condensation. When rooms stay evenly warm, surfaces like windows and walls are less likely to cool down enough for moisture to settle on them. "Maintaining a steady indoor temperature, rather than letting spaces get cold and then reheating them, can make a big difference," says Helen. "Using curtains or blinds as an extra layer of insulation, especially during colder weather , can help reduce the chill on window surfaces, making it harder for condensation to form in the first place." Sign up to our Manchester property newsletter here
