A typical sight on winter mornings is that of thick mist clinging to the inside surface of the windows. This is quite a frequent problem and generally causes wet drapes and wet window frames, along with the fear of developing mould.The first thing we tend to do is to question our insulation or suspect our double glazing since we’re sure that the seals must be letting out. But, in most cases, what causes condensation is simple humidity, and the answer may lie in our kitchen pantry.An easy-to-make do-it-yourself dehumidifier can be made using only a little bowl of salt water, which has been gaining popularity recently because of its efficiency. Salt not only helps improve the taste of meals, but it also has natural tendencies to absorb moisture in the air. By placing a little bowl on your windowsill, you’ll get a dry area where no fog will appear anymore, allowing you to skip morning cleaning routines.Explanation in detailAs mentioned above, salt absorbs humidity in the air because it is a hygroscopic material, and when this air meets a cold surface, such as a window, then due to the drop in the temperature of the air, its dew point will become lower, resulting in condensation. In this case, moisture will evaporate into the air around the window pane, which will be captured by salt water.In an interesting experiment titled Hygrothermal Performance of Salt (NaCl) for Internal Surface Applications, scientists studied the use of salt on the internal surfaces of buildings as a means to manage the levels of humidity. Salt was found to efficiently regulate moisture in the immediate surroundings by functioning as a moisture absorber.
Salt’s hygroscopic nature absorbs moisture, preventing fog and protecting indoor plants or workspaces from fungi and rust. Refresh the solution weekly for clear windows all season.
When applied in a domestic environment, you will essentially create a miniature version of a large-scale dehumidification process that is used in industries. Salt will trap water molecules in the surrounding air, ensuring that your immediate vicinity remains dry.This is particularly helpful because, as noted in the study from the journal materials, even high-end window designs can suffer from surface condensation if the internal humidity is high enough.Insulation may be able to hold heat, but it is not capable of removing the water vapour from the air, which comes from our breath, cooking, and plants. Instead of heating up the glass panes, the salt bowl targets the true source of the condensation, the water.Preservation of your indoor garden or workspaceHaving plants inside your home or having a workshop where you work requires extra precautions due to excessive humidity in these rooms. Transpiration is the process that occurs continuously, which means that there will be excessive amounts of moisture accumulating inside the room during winter, leading to other issues like fungi or rust.Using a salt solution is a safe, chemical-free way to protect these spaces. Since it is non-toxic and biodegradable, it is the perfect companion for a green home. It provides a low-tech “buffer” that stabilises the environment. To set this up, simply dissolve a generous amount of common table salt into a bowl of warm water until no more will dissolve. Place the bowl on the sill where the fogging is most severe.It is important to remember that this isn’t a “set it and forget it” solution. Because the salt is actively working, the solution will eventually become saturated and lose its effectiveness. You will need to refresh the bowl every week or so, especially during particularly cold snaps.A pinch of salt, combined with an intelligent air flow strategy, opening the windows for ten minutes per day, will ensure that your windows remain bright and clear throughout the entire winter season. This is a simple adjustment that proves that sometimes, you need not make costly changes in order to resolve your everyday problems.