Britons urged to put salt on windowsill this month

As the chill of winter takes hold, specialists are advising households to position a bowl of salt upon their windowsills. The cooking essential could prove crucial in lessening one of the neverending problems at home: condensation.

Condensation becomes rampant during cold weather and could give rise to mould if left untreated. But according to the team at Posh.co.uk, a mere bowl of salt works to decrease condensation, keeping your property drier and less susceptible to mould. Indoor air generally remains warmer than external air in winter, and when this warmer air encounters the chilled window surface, condensation develops.

Salt, however, acts as a natural moisture absorber and can extract humidity from the air. With less moisture in the air, there's a reduced likelihood of condensation forming when it encounters the cold window pane.

Posh.co.uk's home and garden expert, Andy Ellis, said: "A constant build up of condensation in the home isn't great and in some cases, it can cause mould growth which can be dangerous for your family."

Ellis explained how the kitchen ingredient can be useful: "Salt has the ability to naturally absorb moisture from the air and essentially dries it out so that when it does come in contact with the glass, there are less droplets of condensation that will form."

He explained: "It's a really easy trick that requires no effort at all. Simply fill a shallow bowl or a small jar with some salt - this can be table salt or rock salt."

"The amount you use will vary depending on the size of the window you're placing it next to. Of course, generally speaking, the larger the window the more salt you'll need, though usually one small bowl should be fine."

How do you know when it's time to replace the salt?

"The same bowl of salt should last you a couple of days," said Ellis. "You'll know when it's time to replace it because the salt will appear damp and will begin to clump together."