If winter condensation feels like a fact of life in the UK, you’re not imagining it. Damp windows, misted windscreens and that faint musty smell are all part of the same problem: too much moisture trapped in enclosed spaces.
The good news is you don’t need to crank the heating up or buy expensive gadgets to tackle it. A few simple changes can make a noticeable difference, both at home and in your car.
Why condensation is such a UK winter problem
Condensation forms when warm, moist air hits a cold surface. In winter, the UK ticks all the boxes:
- High outdoor humidity
- Older homes with solid walls
- Small, enclosed rooms
- Drying clothes indoors
- Cars that cool rapidly overnight
The result is moisture collecting on windows, walls, and glass; indoors and out.
Home hacks: reduce condensation without overheating the house
01. Vent briefly, not constantly
Keeping a window slightly open all day often feels sensible, but it can actually make rooms colder without removing much moisture. Instead, try short, sharp ventilation:
- Open windows wide for 5-10 minutes
- Do this once or twice a day
- Close them fully afterwards
This ‘shock ventilation’ swaps damp air for drier outdoor air without chilling the room.
02. Be strategic about opening windows
If you do open a window:
- Do it in kitchens and bathrooms after use
- Avoid bedrooms overnight unless ventilation is very poor
- Close doors to stop damp air spreading through the house
Where you ventilate matters more than how much.
03. Place dehumidifiers where moisture is created
If you use a dehumidifier, don’t hide it in a hallway. Best locations:
- Rooms where clothes are dried
- Kitchens during cooking
- Bedrooms with heavy overnight condensation
One well-placed unit is often more effective than running it continuously elsewhere.
Car hacks: stop condensation inside your vehicle
Cars suffer from the same issue: trapped moisture meeting cold glass. Wet coats, shoes and breath all add to the problem, especially on short winter journeys.
01. Use passive dehumidifiers overnight
Simple moisture absorbers work surprisingly well in cars. Options include:
- Chemical dehumidifier tubs
- Cat litter in a sock or breathable bag
- Even herbal tea bags placed in door pockets
Leave them in the car overnight to absorb excess moisture.
02. Focus on airflow, not heat
Blasting the heater can clear a screen temporarily, but moisture often returns. Instead:
- Use air conditioning (it dries air, even in winter)
- Clear snow and ice from outside windows first
- Avoid leaving wet items in the car overnight
Reducing moisture beats reheating damp air.
Why these hacks work
Condensation isn’t really a temperature problem, it’s a moisture management problem. Whether it’s a Victorian terrace or a parked car, the principles are the same:
- Reduce moisture input
- Vent intelligently
- Absorb what’s left
Small changes, applied consistently, make winter far more comfortable.
A calmer way through winter
Clear windows, dry air and fewer musty smells might not sound exciting, but they quietly improve daily life during the coldest months. And that’s exactly what good hacks are supposed to do.
This tip is from the author of Car Hacks – a collection of clever, low-cost ways to make everyday driving, owning and maintaining a car easier, cheaper and less frustrating. If you like practical fixes that use everyday household items (and don’t require mechanical know-how), you’ll find loads more inside the book.
Car Hacks 