Written by Molly Lee (DMU Journalism student)
How to handle condensation in your student home
Condensation is a key thing to look out for in your student house before it gets out of control during the colder months.
It is completely normal and expected for condensation to occur in your student house when it begins to get cold. But if it is left untouched, it can lead to issues such as damp and mould.
Don’t panic! – there are plenty of easy measures you can do to help.
Firstly, it is important to understand what condensation is. It happens when warm air carrying moisture comes into contact with a cold surface, such as a window. So, thanks to England’s fluctuating temperatures, condensation can quickly build up.
If you can spend a few pounds, you can buy some interior dehumidifiers that are perfect to place on your windowsill. You can pick them up from places like B&M, Home Bargains or Amazon (where you can use your student Prime). These help by collecting the moisture and condensation on your window. You can even get ones with scents!
As tempting as it may be to dry your clothes in your bedroom this can increase condensation. Try to dry your clothes outside, use a tumble dryer, or put them in a larger room where the windows are open so the moisture can escape.
Whether you are cooking packet noodles in a saucepan or cheffing like Gordon Ramsay, condensation thrives in the kitchen. Simply place a lid on your saucepans and make sure your kitchen windows are open and the extractor fan is on if your kitchen has one, as this will help reduce the moisture in the air.
Now, I must admit, I am one of those people who do not like keeping their bedroom windows open in case creepy crawlies come in. But it is essential to open your window daily, even for a short time, as it will get rid of the moisture on your window that builds up during the night.
If opening your window does not clear all the moisture off your windows or surfaces, then a simple wipe can help. Wipe down the area with a microfibre cloth.
When having a shower or a bath, make sure your window is open and that the extractor fan (if you have one) is on. To prevent the moisture from spreading through the house, make sure you shut the door afterwards as the moisture will escape outside rather than into other rooms.
If you notice any damp or mould on your walls, contact your property manager at Sulets for support. It is important to rectify any damp or mould issues as soon as you see them as this could affect how much deposit you get back at the end of your tenancy.
For more guidance on condensation download our PDF guide here.
Check out our other tips and blogs on student living here.