A seasonal guide to moisture control and clearer surroundings

Winter brings cosy evenings indoors and scenic frosty mornings. It also brings a familiar nuisance: condensation. Glass turns cloudy, walls feel damp to the touch and cars fill with fog the moment the engine starts. Although common, condensation matters more than many realise.

A note about mould and wellbeing

Mould linked to condensation can affect respiratory comfort and spoil surfaces around the home. Curtains, plaster, soft furnishings and even flooring can be affected. Acting early is usually the simplest way to prevent more complex issues later.

Why condensation appears

When warm indoor air touches a cooler surface, condensation forms. In winter, we keep windows closed and turn on heating, increasing indoor humidity. Over time, without ventilation, droplets appear on surfaces such as windows and walls.

In the home, typical moisture sources include:

• Hot showers

• Steamy cooking

• Washing drying indoors

• Cool walls and glass

Inside vehicles, condensation often comes from:

• Passenger breath and damp clothing

• Temperature shifts

• Blocked vents

• Small internal leaks

Practical steps for reducing condensation indoors

Keeping the home at an even temperature helps reduce moisture settling on surfaces. Heating that fluctuates dramatically can cause more rapid droplet formation.

Ventilation is key. Extractor fans, trickle vents or opening windows after showers or cooking are small steps that make a strong impact.

Try to reduce water vapour indoors. Dry clothes outdoors when the weather allows or use a vented dryer. Cover pots and pans on the hob to limit steam.

Tools such as dehumidifiers or moisture traps are helpful additions, especially in rooms prone to moisture build-up. Regularly wiping windows keeps surfaces dry and denies mould a starting point.

Reducing condensation inside your car

A vehicle forms a sealed environment, so moisture accumulates quickly. Running the blower or air-conditioning circulates air and clears windows faster.

Remove wet clothing, umbrellas and damp floor mats rather than storing them inside. These items release water into the air for hours after use.

Check for leaks or worn seals, particularly around doors and sunroofs. Even a slow drip can keep a car humid for days. Moisture-absorbing pads placed inside overnight help keep windows clear the next morning.

Always wait until your windows are clear before driving. Reduced visibility is unsafe and could affect a claim if an incident occurs.

Why condensation deserves attention

In homes, moisture can contribute to mould growth, plaster damage or long-term wear, which may be considered poor maintenance in certain circumstances. In vehicles, misted windows make driving far riskier.

Taking small steps each day keeps both your living space and your vehicle fresher, clearer and more pleasant throughout the colder months.