I decided to mix a cup of salt with a Himalayan salt candle holder in my bathroom to test if it could minimize condensation, and the outcome was unexpectedly impressive.
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Condensation can be quite a nuisance, resulting in unsightly damp spots and often becoming a recurring issue in numerous homes across the UK.
The chilly weather often leads to a common problem caused by excessive humidity and inadequate airflow, making it difficult to resolve without either investing heavily in heating or enduring the cold with the windows ajar.
Experts rave about dehumidifiers as a top solution for controlling home condensation. If you're thinking of getting one, rest assured it'll make an impact.
Nonetheless, salt is frequently suggested for individuals who are budget-conscious or interested in do-it-yourself remedies, just like myself. With the recent cold weather affecting the UK, I observed an increase in humidity in my bathroom and chose to give this advice a shot.
After receiving tips from the knowledgeable team at Posh.co.uk, a brand specializing in home and garden furniture, I decided to place a bowl of salt on my windowsill. Andy Ellis, an expert at Posh.co.uk, explained, "Salt naturally absorbs moisture from the air, effectively drying it out. This means that when the moisture comes into contact with the glass, there will be fewer condensation droplets that develop."
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He mentioned, "It's an incredibly simple trick that takes no effort whatsoever. Just take a shallow bowl or a small jar and fill it with some salt—either table salt or rock salt will do."
Every property specialist I've spoken to stressed the importance of modifying the salt quantity based on the size of the window. "As a rule of thumb, the bigger the window, the greater the amount of salt required, but typically, a single small bowl should suffice," suggested Andy.
I opted for a small cup of table salt since rock salt costs quite a bit more. Looking back, I realize it may not have been sufficient.
The effects were noticeable right away, as I found less condensation on my bathroom windowsill the next morning. While there was still some moisture present in the bathroom after my shower the next evening, I observed that it evaporated significantly quicker by the following morning.
The proof was undeniable, as the upper part of the windowsill was nearly spotless. Some water had gathered on the sill, but it was significantly less than what I had seen prior to using the salt method.
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Andy's suggestion that "you'll recognize when it's time to change [the salt] because it will look damp and start to clump" turned out to be true. On the second day of having the salt in the bathroom, I noticed it had become slightly more compact. However, after giving it a shake to return it to fine crystals, it managed to function effectively for another two days.
I combined the cup of salt with a practical addition - a Himalayan salt candle holder. This sturdy and somewhat weighty piece, initially intended for decorative purposes, has now found a functional role in my bathroom.
When illuminated by a tealight candle, the candle holder is positioned within a bowl to thoroughly assess its ability to absorb moisture. Salt candle holders are effective in minimizing condensation in your living space because salt is hygroscopic, which means it attracts moisture from the atmosphere.
It's important to mention that these salt candle holders are unlikely to have a major impact on condensation when they are not lit. Their ability to absorb moisture depends on the warmth generated by the candle, which helps to evaporate the moisture they have taken in. When they are extinguished, they continue to absorb moisture, but may not release it quickly enough to create a noticeable effect.