Preventing Window Condensation While Cooking: Quick And Easy Solutions

Cooking, showering, and drying clothes are all everyday activities that contribute to excess moisture in the air, which leads to condensation on windows. While condensation is almost unavoidable, there are several ways to prevent it.

Keep lids on saucepans while cooking

Keeping the lids on saucepans while cooking is a great way to prevent your windows from steaming up. Cooking without lids allows steam to escape into the surrounding air, which can then settle on windows, creating condensation.

By keeping the lids on your saucepans, you are trapping the heat and moisture inside the pan. This is particularly useful when you want to bring something to a simmer or a boil, as it will speed up the process and save energy. It is also beneficial when you want to keep moisture in, such as when cooking a stew or a sauce, as it prevents liquid from evaporating.

In addition to keeping lids on saucepans, there are several other ways to prevent windows from steaming up while cooking:

• Use extractor fans in the kitchen to ventilate the room and remove moisture from the air.
• Open windows to allow air to circulate and prevent moisture build-up.
• Avoid drying clothes indoors, as this can increase humidity levels.
• Move houseplants away from windows, as they can add to humidity and reflect condensation.
• Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.

By following these tips, you can help reduce the amount of steam that builds up on your windows while cooking and create a more comfortable and healthy environment in your home.

Use extractor fans in the kitchen

The kitchen is one of the rooms that contribute the most moisture to your home. Cooking releases a lot of moisture into the air, which can cause condensation to form on windows.

Extractor fans are an effective way to reduce condensation. They work by removing humidity from the air and expelling it out of your home. This prevents the humid air from settling on cold surfaces and forming condensation.

To prevent condensation on your windows when cooking, it is recommended to use an extractor fan in your kitchen. Make sure your extractor fan is running when you cook, and continue to run it for 10-15 minutes after you finish cooking to clear any remaining moisture from the air.

If your kitchen does not have an extractor fan, you can try opening a window to let the moist air escape. However, this may not be practical in cold weather. In this case, you could try keeping the kitchen door closed while cooking to prevent moist air from travelling into colder rooms, where it is more likely to condense on windows.

For the best ventilation, it is recommended to have both a cooker hood and an extractor fan. Cooker hoods are larger extractor fans that are installed above a cooker. They quickly remove rising steam, smoke, and smells that occur from cooking. Regular extractor fans, on the other hand, work to extract any humidity that travels around the room.

Vent tumble dryers outside

Vented tumble dryers are more complicated to install than condenser dryers as they require a hole in an external wall for the hose to vent out moist air. It is recommended that you consult a professional to install it for you. However, if you want to install a vented tumble dryer yourself, here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, decide where you want to place the tumble dryer. It should be placed on a level, stable surface, like a solid floor, to prevent noisy and potentially damaging vibrations. Make sure there is enough clearance around the dryer for ample airflow, ventilation, and easy access for maintenance and repairs.

If your home has an existing ventilation hole, or your tumble dryer will be located next to or underneath a window, the procedure is simple. Attach the hose and place the tumble dryer in position.

If you are drilling a new hole, you will need a drill and a masonry drill bit. Hold the end of the vent against the wall where it will vent and draw around it. Drill several one-inch-wide holes around the outside of the circle, then connect the holes with the drill. Place the vent grille onto the wall and trace around the holes. Drill some mounting holes into the wall and fill them using silicone caulk. Put wall anchors inside before it sets.

Push the flexible vent tube through the hole and screw the plate to the wall. Make sure everything is tightened, then connect the other end of the hose to the dryer. Put the dryer into place, plug it in, and test it to see if it is working.

To prevent condensation on windows when tumble drying, it is important to control humidity and moisture in the atmosphere. Open your windows regularly when it is sunny outside. When you are not at home, use the air-purifying feature, which sends in fresh air while keeping your windows closed. Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom to ventilate these rooms when cooking or showering.

Hang wet clothes outside

Hanging wet clothes outside is a great way to prevent windows from steaming up when cooking. Here are some tips to effectively hang your wet clothes outdoors:

• Choose a sunny day: Select a day with plenty of sunshine to speed up the drying process. Sunlight will help evaporate moisture from the clothes, and a gentle breeze will also aid in faster drying.
• Select a spacious area: Look for an open area with enough space to hang your clothes, avoiding crowded areas where air circulation may be restricted.
• Use a sturdy clothesline: Ensure you have a strong clothesline or drying rack that can withstand the weight of wet clothes without sagging. Position it in an area that receives direct sunlight.
• Hang clothes properly: Space out the clothes to allow adequate airflow around each item. Hang them by their seams to prevent stretching and distortion, and use clothespins or hangers to secure them, ensuring they don't touch the ground.
• Time it right: Hang your clothes outside during the warmest part of the day, typically between late morning and early afternoon. Bring them in before sunset to avoid the evening dew.
• Protect light-coloured clothes: If you're hanging light-coloured garments, place them inside-out to prevent discolouration from direct sunlight exposure.
• Bring them in promptly: Keep an eye on the weather and bring your clothes inside if rain is expected. Also, avoid leaving them out overnight, as moisture in the air can make them damp again.

By following these steps, you can effectively utilise outdoor hanging to prevent windows from steaming up while cooking and maintain your clothes' freshness.

Open windows when cooking

Opening windows when cooking is a great way to prevent condensation from building up on your windows. It is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve ventilation and reduce moisture in your home.

When cooking, the steam from pots and pans can cause a rapid increase in moisture levels in your home, especially if you are using multiple burners or cooking for an extended period. By opening a window, you allow this moist air to escape and prevent it from settling on your windows in the form of condensation.

While opening windows is a simple task, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it is effective in reducing condensation. Firstly, try to open the window before you start cooking. This will create a flow of air that pushes the moist air out and brings dry air in. If you have an extractor fan, turn it on while cooking to further improve ventilation. Keep the window open for a while after you finish cooking to ensure all the moisture has dissipated.

Additionally, if you are cooking something that produces a strong odour, opening a window can help to ventilate the smell and prevent it from lingering in your home.

However, there may be times when opening windows is not ideal, such as during cold weather or if you live in a noisy area. In these cases, you can try alternative methods to reduce condensation, such as using an extractor fan or range hood, keeping lids on your pots and pans, or using a dehumidifier. These methods can help reduce moisture levels when opening windows is not feasible.

By combining these techniques and being mindful of moisture levels in your home, you can effectively reduce condensation and keep your windows clear.

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