Remove fog from windows and condensation at home: 6 effective tips

Humidity problems are not uncommon in a home, especially in winter. What causes condensation in a house, how to get rid of it and how to remove fog from windows? Explanations and advice.

Why is there mist inside a house?

In a home, humidity can be caused by several factors : possible infiltrations, rising water by capillary action from the ground via the walls, or even human activities (cooking in water, showers, breathing, perspiration, etc.).

Ces condensation problemswhich can occur in both recent and old housing (except for problems with capillary rising humidity, more common in old homes), are due to increasing the humidity level in a room (humidity level). Result: condensation is created, a natural phenomenon which occurs more frequently when the outside air is cold. For what ? Because this air then cools the walls and windows, on the other side of which is the hot air contained inside the home.

The formation of liquid condensation, which occurs when water vapor contained in the air comes into contact with a colder surface, occurs all the more when:

• The room is poorly ventilated,
• poorly heated
• or insufficiently insulated.

Although unpleasant, condensation is not necessarily a problem, except when the walls are constantly damp to the touch, or when the windows are fogged up first thing in the morning. These are, among others, signs of too much humiditywhich can cause structural and material damage to a home. Possible health problems may also arise among occupants. Simple actions can help reduce condensation at home. But be careful, they do not solve the cause.

How to remove condensation in a room?

If the condensation is too significant in a home, these simple actions can reduce it, but you will need to call a professional to definitively resolve the cause(s). However, in the event of non-problematic condensation, These good habits will help you get rid of them:

Ventilate the room

Ventilation is essential to reduce natural condensation. Ventilating your home for at least 30 minutes a day will help renew the air in order to evacuate humidity. Less humid air will also be easier to heat, which will somewhat reduce your energy consumption linked to heating. Even if the weather outside doesn’t make you want to open your windows wide, this gesture is essential. You can split the recommended ventilation time by ventilating your home for 15 minutes twice a day. Just remember to turn off your radiators before opening your windows.

In addition, your home must have ventilation at each window and ideally, in all rooms. Installing a VMC is therefore recommended to renew the air in a home and therefore regulate the humidity level.

Also read – Heating: this essential gesture for a properly heated home

Heat to the right temperature

Heating is also important in the event of problematic condensation. A temperature of around 19 to 20°C is recommended in winterno more, no less. This temperature allows you to save energy while enjoying a comfortable atmosphere. Heating more will not regulate the humidity in a roomnot to mention the financial cost that this will generate. Also note that in the bedrooms, this temperature can be lowered to 18 degrees, or even 17 degrees, or increased to 21°C in living rooms such as the living room.

The idea being to adapt the temperature of your home according to your habits, taking care however that the temperature does not drop excessivelywhich would increase the humidity of the ambient air. So, in the event of a prolonged absence, do not completely turn off your radiators.

Also read: Do not exceed this precise temperature to avoid hefty bills

Insulate properly

Another point not to neglect in the event of problematic condensation: insulation of rooms concerned. This in fact plays a major role in the fight against humidity as well as heat loss. In the event of absent or ineffective insulation, heating and ventilation will have little effect on reducing condensation.

Several insulation work must be undertaken, starting with installation of double glazed windows. But also: insulation of walls, floors, lost attics. Financial assistance exists with MaPrimeRenov, even for tenants who wish to carry out energy saving work.

Also read: 5 ways to improve your insulation without doing major work

Naturally absorb moisture with natural solutions

Finally, several natural solutions help combat humidity at home:

• Placing several pieces of charcoal in a waterproof box with several holes can act as a dehumidifier. Depending on the humidity level in the room, the charcoal will need to be changed approximately every 15 days.
• The same solution for naturally dehumidifying a room can be achieved with coarse salt, or even quicklime.

Certain plants also have the ability to regulate the humidity of a room.

Read about it: 10 plants to get rid of humidity in the house

Limit the formation of steam

Finally, to reduce the humidity in a home, it is also necessary avoid or reduce activities that create water vapor. When cooking, remember to cover your pots with boiling water and open the kitchen window when possible. Avoid showers that are too hot and too long, as well as hot baths. Dry your wet laundry outside your home.

How to stop having fogging on the windows?

By reducing humidity in a home, The tips above generally help to get rid of foggy windows.. However, if condensation forms on your windows on a daily basis, this may mean that they are not performing well enough. In fact, the more the windows insulate against the cold, the warmer their interior glass surface will be and therefore less likely to create fogging.

If your windows are single-glazed, condensation on the windows is difficult to avoid when outside temperatures drop. If your home is already equipped with double-glazed openings, it may have lost its insulating power. This may be due to seals around the windows. Do not hesitate to run your finger along the edge of the affected windows. If you feel any ruptures on the seals or on the frame, these defective seals must be replaced.

Anti-fog tip : to prevent the formation of fogging on windows, particularly those in the passenger compartment of a car, anti-fog sprays exist. However, it is possible to do without it by simply using soap.

• Place a thin layer of soap on the interior window by lightly moistening one side of soap.
• Clean the marks created with a simple, slightly damp cloth.

A tip that also works by depositing not a thin layer of soap on the interior windows, but a light layer of dishwashing liquid, also to be wiped with a damp cloth.