Condensation has taken hold of our homes! It’s only natural when temperatures drop and people get trigger-happy with the thermostat. By morning, the windows are covered in it, to the point that it runs down and pools on the sill.
This is what happens when hot, humid air meets the cold window glass, forcing the moisture to reach its “dew point.” With that in mind, we’ve rounded up five things you need to remove from your windowsill now, before they take damage from this reaction.
Picture frames
Photographs are precious and sentimental, so you don’t want them on display so close to condensation. While a framed photo will have a layer of protection, the moisture in the air can still seep in through the gaps to warp and distort the picture over time.
The frame is also at risk of damage should water pool beneath it, which could encourage bacterial growth and mold.
You could opt to use acrylic photo frames for better protection from the moisture—these are sealed with less exposure, though they are not fully waterproof. Or you could just move them away temporarily!
Plants
Plants are a natural addition to the windowsill because they need the sunlight. You’d think the humidity is only a bonus, but in reality, this spot might be doing more harm than good. If there’s an excess of condensation, there will be a slow evaporation rate for the soil when the plant is freshly watered, encouraging root rot. This dampness and close vicinity to the window makes it an easy target for fungus gnats.
If a leaf or flower happens to be leaning against the glass, that can also rot the greenery via bacterial growth. Plus, the plant is at risk of “chill burn” from the cold glass, leaving parts of it black and mushy. Move the plant away from the sill but keep it nearby to take advantage of the humidity.
Books
You won’t realize your books have taken damage from the condensation until you look at the pages. The moisture makes them appear distorted and wavy at first, then black spots of mold and a musty smell will follow. This is very difficult, if not impossible, to remove, so take your books off the sill to better protect them.
You should place your books somewhere dry, cool, and ideally out of direct sunlight to prevent UV damage.
General clutter
Ideally, you don’t want too many items cluttering up the windowsill. Not only will the items be at risk of moisture damage, but they will prevent condensation from drying by blocking the airflow.
That means the moisture is locked in place, which gives bacteria and mold a better chance to grow in the immediate surroundings. You might find mold and mildew growing directly on the frame or on nearby secluded walls.
Thick curtains
While thick curtains keep us warm, they’re also trapping the moisture against the glass and not giving it a chance to evaporate. The heat from the room also can’t reach it, making matters worse.
Naturally, you don’t want to remove your curtains, but making sure they’re pulled open in the day to supply ventilation and not tucked onto the sill at night (which would essentially stifle the glass) makes all the difference. Some windows come with trickle vents, which can be opened regularly for added ventilation when curtains are closed.
If your curtains are regularly subjected to high levels of condensation, they can develop bacteria and mold growth.
As the Household Advice Editor, Katie looks after all things cleaning and decluttering. She started out as a Junior Tester in the Good Housekeeping Institute 10 years ago, so she’s tested plenty of appliances in her time too, including dishwashers and washing machines. Nowadays, she focuses on keeping our cleaning content up to date and accurate, testing relevant products and learning about the latest methods and trends along the way.
