People on social media have been touting a 62-pence ($0.82) bottle of Aldi washing-up liquid as a low-cost fix for a common winter household problem: window condensation.
Here's what to know
According to WalesOnline, Instagram user Lily (@Lilymayjeanx) posted that rubbing a drop of washing-up liquid into window glass can help prevent condensation from appearing.
To further help condensation from forming, Lily said she opens her windows "first thing in the morning." Her video also showed a dehumidifier hanging from the window's curtain pole.
When it came to the popularity of Lily's hack, price was a huge part of the appeal. Aldi sells Power Force Washing Up Liquid for under a dollar, and if only a single small drop is used, each application costs just pennies.
Lily described the effect by saying the detergent will "create a film" that "keeps condensation away." There is a scientific reason the trick can appear to work. Washing-up liquid contains surfactants that reduce water's surface tension, which means moisture on a cold window is more likely to spread into a thin, clear layer than collect as visible droplets or misty beads.
More background
For that reason, a window that looks clear is not necessarily a sign that humidity has dropped. What the washing-up liquid changes is the way moisture behaves on the glass, not the amount of moisture itself.
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That means the room can still have a dampness issue even if the pane looks better. If humidity stays high, the moisture may end up settling on other colder surfaces instead of beading on the window.
Too much indoor moisture can lead to a number of serious problems, including mold. So while the hack may improve visibility, cut down on window wiping, and cost almost nothing to test, it is not a replacement for lowering indoor humidity.
What can be done?
A dehumidifier is one of the best options for dealing with indoor moisture. Other options include increasing ventilation and using extractor fans.
However, purchasing a dehumidifier or installing an extractor fan can cost hundreds of dollars, if not more. That lends to the appeal of Lily's ultra-affordable approach, even if it does not actually address the root cause of the problem.
Where can I learn more?
There are other low-cost ways to clean windows and clear surfaces.
• At home, a detergent-based window trick can leave glass spotless in minutes.
• A homemade glass cleaner can leave windows streak-free in seconds.
• Around the house, a two-ingredient glass cleaner can cut through shower buildup fast.
• Scientists have developed a new anti-fogging method to keep lenses and windows clear.
• In bathrooms, a simple soap-scum fix helps glass and tile feel smooth again.
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