As winter approaches, many of us begin to fear the inevitable icy condensation that forms on our windows. Not only does it obscure our view, but it can also lead to mold growth and damage to window frames. For years, countless homeowners have struggled with this problem, often resorting to expensive solutions or inefficient methods.
But my grandmother, with her decades of experience, has always had a simple but effective trick up her sleeve to combat this winter craft. This quick and easy method takes just four minutes and requires nothing more than standard household items. In this article, I’ll share her secret and explain why it works so well.
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1. Why Winter Windows Turn Into Icy Condensation Traps During
the winter months, the ambient temperature outside drops significantly, while the warm air inside your home remains humid. When this warm, humid air comes into contact with the cold surface of a window, it cools down and condenses into water droplets. If the temperature is low enough, these droplets can freeze and form an icy layer. This phenomenon is particularly common in older houses with single-glazed windows, which lack the insulation properties of modern double- or triple-glazed windows.
The problem is exacerbated in rooms with poor ventilation, as the humidity tends to be higher. Activities such as cooking, showering, and even breathing contribute to indoor humidity. For example, a family of four can add up to 12 liters of moisture to the air every day just through daily activities. Without proper ventilation, this moisture-laden air condenses continuously on cold surfaces, creating those pesky icy windows.
2. The old-fashioned trick my grandmother swears by
My Grandmother’s trick is deceptively simple: she uses a common household item – shaving cream. Yes, the same thing you use to shave. Shaving cream contains stearic acid, which forms a protective barrier on surfaces that prevents moisture from settling and freezing.
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