During the winter months, many homes face the same scenario: foggy windows first thing in the morning, damp thresholds and a persistent feeling of cold, even with the heating on. The problem occurs especially in older apartments or with limited insulation windows, where humidity accumulates near the glass surfaces and compromises thermal comfort.
The explanation for a bowl of salt water placed next to a window appears as a practical response to this phenomenon. According to the British website Mirror Luxe, which specializes in lifestyle, this simple gesture helps to reduce condensation on the glass and make the indoor air less humid, contributing to a feeling of greater comfort without changing the heating temperature.
A discreet habit that attracts attention
The practice is described in an article that reports a visit to an apartment on a particularly cold day. The glass had less humidity than usual and the room seemed drier, despite the heating system working normally. There was no musty smell or the typical cold draft near the window, common in houses with single glazing.
According to the same source, this is a winter trick comparable to other domestic gestures used in other seasons to improve thermal comfort without using complex technical solutions.
What happens next to the glass in winter
When the hot air from inside comes into contact with the cold glass, it releases moisture, which turns into small drops of water. This condensation accumulates on the frame, on the threshold and, over time, can affect the wood and insulation materials. Furthermore, the presence of humidity accentuates the feeling of cold, making the room seem less comfortable than it really is. In houses with single-glazed windows, this process is more frequent and visible.
Energy efficiency experts referred to by the same source explain that many complaints related to constant cold are not directly linked to the heating power, but rather to the humidity accumulated near the windows. Reducing this excess humidity helps to improve the thermal perception of the space, even while maintaining the same ambient temperature.
Salt has the ability to attract and retain moisture. Placed in a bowl of water next to the window, it creates an area where part of the humidity in the air is absorbed before transforming into condensation on the glass. The effect is localized and gradual, but sufficient to keep the floor drier and reduce fogging, especially at night and in the early hours of the morning.
For it to work, it is recommended to use a wide bowl, with tap water and a generous amount of salt, preferably coarse, leaving some grains undissolved. The bowl should be placed close to the glass, in a place where air circulates, and checked regularly to replace the water or salt when necessary.
Additional help, not a definitive solution
This method does not replace an electric dehumidifier or solve structural insulation problems. It works as a simple complement, especially useful in rented houses or in situations where it is not possible to work on the windows. When combined with other habits, such as airing the house for short periods and avoiding curtains placed against the glass, the results tend to be more visible.
Using this trick has gained popularity in several European countries, especially among those who live in old houses or small apartments.
According to , the reason for its success lies in its simplicity: an accessible gesture, with almost no cost, that helps to deal with a common winter problem without resorting to additional works or equipment.
Also read:
