Waking up to streams of condensation on your bedroom windows is a frustrating and common winter issue. For years, Deputy Editor Sophie Law faced this exact problem, believing a powerful dehumidifier was the only answer.
The Expensive Appliance That Wasn't Enough
After years of dealing with damp windowsills and a cold, clammy room, Sophie invested nearly £200 in a Meaco dehumidifier. While the appliance helped manage general room humidity, especially when drying laundry, it failed to be the complete solution she needed. Condensation would still form overnight, particularly during colder spells, leaving her windows drenched by morning.
A 40p Experiment That Delivered Results
More out of desperation than expectation, Sophie decided to test a cheap alternative already in her kitchen cupboard: a tub of table salt. Available for as little as 40p from Marks & Spencer or 70p from Asda, she poured some into a small bowl and placed it on the worst-affected windowsill overnight.
The principle is simple: salt is hygroscopic, meaning it naturally attracts and absorbs moisture from the surrounding air. This low-effort fix required no plugs, timers, or tanks to empty.
Noticeable Improvement Within Days
The results were swift and clear. By the next morning, there was a visible reduction in water on the glass. After several nights, the usual pooling on the sill had stopped completely. The salt itself had clumped together and felt damp, proof it was actively pulling moisture from the air.
This method provided a targeted solution right at the source of the problem—the cold window surface—where her dehumidifier, which she didn't want running all night, couldn't reach.
Living With the Salt Hack
While the salt bowl hasn't replaced her dehumidifier entirely, it has significantly reduced how often she needs to use the electric appliance. This leads to lower electricity costs, a welcome bonus during the energy-intensive winter months.
Sophie now changes the salt every week, or sooner if it becomes very damp. It's a simple, inexpensive routine that means she no longer has to wipe down her windows every single morning.
For anyone struggling with persistent window condensation and not ready to invest in a costly machine, this 40p hack is certainly worth trying. While it won't solve serious underlying damp issues, for everyday condensation, it has proven to be a surprisingly effective rival to much pricier tech.
