How do I stop condensation?

makeup

You often tend to get worse condensation in bedrooms. This is because they have fewer air changes per hour. I can't remember the exact figures but living rooms have a much higher rate of air changes (ie. the air in living rooms moves about a lot more which helps with condensation).

Most condensation is lifestyle, you either need to reduce the moisture in the air (don't dry clothes on radiators, cook with lids on pans, keep bathroom doors closed etc) or else increase the movement of air with ventilations etc.

Dehumidifiers can help with removing moisture from air.

You can get problems in wardrobes and cupboards as well with condensation so is worth trying to improve ventilation in these places with small holes at the back - that kind of thing.

Roofspace condensation is common and so if you intend to use your loft as a storage space it is worth making sure your items are in plastic boxes or similar to prevent damage.

Kildare

So glad I saw this post! We have the same problem - severe condensation on all the windows. Unfortunately I'm on economy 7 heaters in a flat so I have to dry my washing inside and have the heating on overnight. As I leave for work early in the morning I can't wipe the windows down except on weekends and the mould builds up on the frames really quickly.

I've tried using cloths before to mop up the condensation but they become saturated really fast and I go through loads to do all the windows. Can anyone recommend a particularly absorbent type of cloth which is good for windows?

DonnaP

Kildare wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a particularly absorbent type of cloth which is good for windows?

I use old towels cut into squares if that's any good. I use a different one each day and then bung it in the wash.

Donna

mrs_motivated

I know this is not going to help many but....

My house suffered with this and mould on bedroom walls - the previous house owners thought the solution was more radiators and the heating on more (couldnt be further from the truth) - when we moved in as we decorated each room we knocked all the plaster off (down to the brick, as our house has no cavity walls) - left an air gap between INSULATED plaster board (called thermaline) - then re-plastered !

The rooms we have completed are warm 9all the time - heating on no more than 3 housrs per day and no higher than 18 degrees) no condensation, no mould (but no money lol because of all renovations) :rolleyes:

ladykath

Same problem here, wipe down windows most mornings, especially the bedroom. I use kitchen roll, starting with about 3 sheets which I roll up into a long wand and then re-use by wringing out into the sink and then adding another couple of sheets the next day. (The good quality strong ones like Bounty are best). I have probs on certain walls and inside cupboards on outside walls. Have found that lining them out with thin polystyrene which I bought in a roll and stuck on with border adhesive helps by insulating. No real solution, just keep battling on I think.

MrsPorridge

I've got a terrible problem with condensation in my house. Any ideas of cheap ways of curing it? Or at least cutting it down. DH says its because I dry the washing indoors - I don't have a tumble dryer and use horses and the radiators.

We have central heating, wooden window frames - not very well fitting - when we get any spare money (ha ha) the windows will be replaced. Its a four bedromed house. We have one dehumidifier upstairs which is on 24/7. We live by the sea (does that make a difference). I have put sponge strips along all the window cills to soak up anything, but its still running down the windows and front door every single day - its worse in our bedroom where the walpaper is peeling by the window and its horrible and damp stained.

Feel so ashamed - its really got to me today.

LMCD

hey there

have you tried opening your window ajar? mines is like that sometimes with lots of washin and just openin the window to let it evaporate - also I don't have a tumble dryer...but I sometimes put the clothes on an extra spin to help me out with drying...

Chloris

We have this problem too. It is very depressing. I open up the windows a bit to let air circulate as this is supposed to help. Dry clothes outside as much as possible, even if you just pop the airer out. Open the kitchen window when cooking. I shall be watching out for any other tips!

FluffyBunnykins

We suffer from condensation and damp. We try to control it the same way as the others, by using every opportunity to dry clothes outside and to have a window open/a jar. Also have a dehumidifier but I don't use it as all I can think about is the expense and opening a window to get air circulating is free :rotfl:

Poppycat

The key to condensation and its very hard balancing act is, ventilation, heat, insulation

You are less likely to have it if all 3 are good but its almost impossible to eradicate it in a modern lifestyle

The warm house can absorb more water in the air, insulation on outside walls stops warm air meeting cold wall where it condenses

If you can try and dry clothes outside. Or get a tumble dryer or a dehumidifier. Cooking or bathing leave a window slightly open or use a internal fan