In the cold and humid months, it is common to see small drops forming on the windows of Portuguese houses. But there are those who have found a simple and economical solution: leaving a little salt near the windows. The practice, which went viral on social media, ultimately has a scientific explanation and can make a difference in combating domestic humidity.
According to the Informe Brasil portal, salt is an excellent natural moisture absorber and can help to ‘purify’ the air at home. When placed next to windows, it acts like a sponge, removing excess water in the air from the environment and preventing the formation of typical condensation drops during cold days.
This homemade method is considered useful in rooms where ventilation is more difficult. By reducing humidity, salt also helps prevent the appearance of mold, a common problem in winter that can affect not only the aesthetics of the house, but also the respiratory health of residents.
How to apply the trick correctly
According to the same source, it is not necessary to sprinkle salt directly on the windows. It is recommended to place small bowls of coarse salt on the windowsills or near areas where condensation tends to appear. When the salt hardens, it is a sign that it has already absorbed moisture. At that time, it must be replaced with a new one.
This small gesture can help identify the most affected areas of the home, allowing you to act quickly before stains or unpleasant smells appear.
Experts’ opinion
DECO PROteste reminds us that “with the arrival of cold and rainy weather, houses tend to present, more visibly, the problems caused by humidity outside ideal levels”. Excess humidity, explains the association, “is uncomfortable, promotes corrosion and can cause damage to materials, in addition to contributing to the appearance of mold”.
On the other hand, “very low levels of humidity can also cause problems, such as damage to the wood and discomfort in the respiratory tract, nasal mucous membranes and eyes”. The ideal value for relative humidity should be between 40% and 60%, and can be measured with a hygrometer, available in household appliances stores for around 10 euros.
Other ways to reduce humidity at home
According to , to prevent the accumulation of water in the air, some simple measures are recommended: keep pans covered when cooking, turn on the extractor fan, ventilate the house daily and avoid drying clothes inside without air circulation.
If these solutions are not enough, using a dehumidifier can help stabilize humidity levels and make the environment healthier.
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