Cooler conditions will soon be replaced by another bout of rain later this week, as the unpredictable autumn weather continues.
As the chilly and wet weather takes hold, you might have spotted condensation forming on your windows, especially in the mornings. Water droplets appear when the warm air inside your home meets the cold window surface, and as it cools down quickly, a layer of condensation forms.
If this sitting water isn't dealt with, it can lead to black mould and mildew growing around your windows, which not only looks bad but can also harm your health, reports YorkshireLive.
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The NHS cautions that breathing in or touching mould spores can trigger an allergic reaction, like sneezing, red eyes, a runny nose, and a skin rash. More serious health problems such as asthma attacks and bronchitis can also occur, so it's crucial to keep the issue in check.
Experts say under-heating is the main cause of mould growth in homes. However, keeping your house warm and well-ventilated can also help reduce the amount of moisture in the air.
To manage the issue of condensation The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends maintaining your home at specific temperatures at certain times of the day – specifically keeping your living room at 21C and bedrooms at 18C. These temperatures can be reduced at night or when you're not home, but WHO recommends bringing rooms up to these temperatures for part of the day to prevent dampness.
If you don't want to heat your entire home, you can switch off radiators in some rooms and keep the doors of unheated rooms shut. If condensation forms on windows, make sure to wipe them down to prevent mould from forming and spreading. If you spot any black mould, clean it with a mild bleach solution or anti-fungal spray.
Electric dehumidifiers can also help prevent condensation, or you can buy a cheaper disposable version to sit on your windowsill. These are available from Poundland for just £1.20 and can absorb up to 500ml of water. Another affordable option is placing a bowl of salt on your windowsill to absorb the moisture.
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* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.