One of the troublesome elements of winter is condensation forming on glass windows and elsewhere. Curtains, floors and other parts of the home get wet and can lead to mold if not dealt with properly.
Housework adviser Shoko Maida shared some methods for dealing with condensation.
North-facing rooms
Condensation occurs when there is a significant difference between the air temperature inside and outside a room. When warm air in a room comes into contact with a glass window that is cooled by cold air from outside, vapor in the air turns to water droplets and attaches itself to the surface of the glass.
This is particularly common in apartments and other places that are especially airtight. According to Maida, "Humidity readily builds up in north-facing rooms that get little sunlight, so you have to be especially careful there."
A variety of goods to deal with condensation are on sale at such places as home centers and 100-yen shops.
Anti-condensation sheets contain a layer of air, and provide greater insulation when attached to glass, thereby reducing condensation. There is also a type that is attached by moistening the glass, making it easier to remove.
If you attach absorbent tape to the bottom of windows, the water droplets will not run down to the floor, saving you the trouble of wiping up. "If you have relatively little condensation, this will take care of it," Maida said.
Expelling humid air
Despite various efforts, however, condensation will form on especially cold mornings. Reducing the temperature difference between the outside and inside is fundamental to deal with the problem.
Care needs to be taken to expel humid air from inside the house, through steps such as opening windows frequently and running a ventilation fan. For those who feel they cannot open the windows because the cold is too harsh, a dehumidifier is also an option.
Laundry is slow to dry in the winter and people tend to hang up their washing inside more often. We should be careful, however, with things like laundry, potted plants and aquariums, as they are a source of water vapor. Room dust can serve as food for mold and encourage it to multiply, as well as water from condensation.
"It's important not to put too many things on the floor and to clean meticulously," Maida said.
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