How to make your own dehumidifier for £2 & conquer condensation & why the morning ‘shake’ is essential to keep it at bay
A HOME expert has revealed how Brits can make their own dehumidifier for just £2.
Now that winter is upon us, you may have noticed that the cold weather has caused condensation to start to appear on your windows.
Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, causing the water vapour in the air to condense into liquid water.
This can then lead to mould growth on walls and ceilings, which can cause a wide variety of health problems, including asthma and rashes.
It can also cause damage to your home and furniture, so it’s best to find the root cause of the issue, and fix it.
Homemade Dehumidifier
One simple way to rid your home of condensation is to use a dehumidifier.
Dehumidifiers pull moisture out of the air, ensuring that their isn’t enough for it to settle on window panes.
However, they can be quite expensive, so Helen Godsiff, brand manager at home improvement specialists, Eurocell has shared how you can make one yourself for just £2.
The expert revealed: “If you don’t have a dehumidifier, there’s a cheap supermarket hack that anyone can use to stop condensation, and all you’ll need is a bag of salt and a bowl.
“Salt can draw moisture from the air, preventing it from ever having the chance to settle on your windows.
“Simply buy a bag of salt from any supermarket, usually for less than £2, and place it in a bowl on your windowsill.
“You’ll need to give it a quick shake in the morning to prevent the moisture from sticking the salt together, but this is a great way to reduce condensation on a budget.”
Improve Ventilation
Helen revealed that another simple trick you can do to banish condensation is to improve ventilation in your home, as this is often to root cause of the problem.
Activities such as cooking and showering create a lot of moisture in the air, so when doing these activities, make sure to open a window or turn on the extractor fan to allow the moisture to escape.
Seal Windows
Making sure that your windows are sealed properly is another great way to reduce condensation, as cracks can allow moisture to seep inside.
Helen said: “Check for gaps and cracks around the window frame that could allow cold air or moisture to enter, and pick a sealant that could help fix the issue.
More about condensation
By Helen Godsiff, brand manager at home improvement specialists Eurocell
Condensation is a constant problem in the UK, as our colder climate mixed with thermally efficient housing creates the ideal environment for condensation to form.
While it may appear as a harmless nuisance, condensation left unchecked can lead to more serious problems, such as damp and mould, which can come with major health implications.
While it may seem counterproductive to allow fresh air to flow into the home during colder months while we’re trying to keep warm with the heating on, opening them for just a few minutes will allow moist air in your home to be replaced with fresh air, preventing any possible buildup that could lead to condensation.
“Even small gaps could lead to issues, so be sure to inspect the window frame thoroughly.
It’s also important to inspect and maintain seals regularly, particularly during wetter winter months.
“Ice can quickly damage the integrity of a seal if water gets inside, but maintaining them helps prevent this issue.”
Sleep with the Bedroom Door Open
During sleep, we expel moisture from our lungs out into our bedroom.
Throughout the night, this moisture settles on windows as condensation.
Therefore, by keeping your bedroom door open you can allow the moisture to escape.