Some people choose to leave their blinds closed throughout winter, but did you know that this can quickly lead to mould and mildew? The reason for this is condensation forming on the inside of the windows. When it sits for long periods of time, it can result in rotting wood, peeling paint, and mould making itself at home on the blinds. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your blinds from window condensation. Read on to find out more.
Why does window condensation occur?
Condensation happens when warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces, such as windows. When temperatures drop in winter and you have your thermostat turned up, the heater air inside you’re your home collides with the glass that’s been made colder by the cold weather outside. It’s a similar process to your bathroom mirror fogging up after you’ve had a bath or shower. Condensation most often occurs on older windows or windows which are constructed from a single pane of glass. These types of windows lack the insulating barrier which double glazed windows provide.
Reduce humidity in your home
One of the most effective ways of protecting your blinds from window condensation is to reduce humidity levels in your home. Kitchens and bathrooms are particularly humid, so it can be a good idea to use fans in these rooms to circulate air. This can help to remove the condensation that has built up whilst showering, bathing, or cooking. Don’t forget to open the blinds regularly in these rooms. This will let air flow more easily, particularly with awkward windows like bay or corner windows.
Another thing to consider when trying to reduce humidity in your home is if you have a lot of plants near a window? Many people don’t realise that plants can actually make a room more humid. Therefore, it’s worth spreading them out across several windows or even multiple rooms.
Insulate your windows
Single-glazed windows are still relatively common, particularly in older homes. If your property has them, it’s worth adding an insulating barrier to help reduce condensation. You could use cling film or even a window insulation kit to limit the transfer of colder air. Placing a thin, clear plastic material around the window frame can create an extra layer of insulation and prevent the loss of heat through the glass. The idea may be simple, but it’s highly effective and relatively easy to do yourself. If your home has single glazed, old, or sash windows, it’s worth considering insulating them to keep condensation at bay.
Check there are no leaks
Checking for window leaks is a good idea if you’re struggling with condensation. If the problem is only happening on certain windows, you may have a draft problem. If there’s moist air entering the property around a specific window, moisture will collect on that window first. You’ll need to check there are no leaks around the window. You may need to call a professional who can reseal or even replace it, depending on how big the leak is.
If you’d rather do the job yourself, you should caulk and replace weatherstripping in the gaps. You can also add foam sealant to the area between the frame of the window and frame of the house. Keep in mind that if there are leaks in your windows, this can also mean greater energy loss and rising costs to keep your home warm in the winter. Energy-efficiency plummets when there are gaps in your windows.
Stop the blinds from touching the glass
To protect your blinds from window condensation, we advise stopping them from touching the glass. At UKBlinds Direct, we can fit your blinds in Rotherham or Sheffield, with our experienced installers making sure they don’t come into contact with the windowpane. For inside mounts, we’ll always check there’s enough depth to ensure that the blinds are clear of the window. For outside mounts, we can use projection brackets or spacer blocks to push the blinds out further and stop them from touching the windows.
Choose moisture resistant blinds
If you struggle with condensation on your windows in the winter, we recommend investing in moisture resistant blinds for your home. At UKBlinds Direct, we sell a wide range of moisture resistant window blinds in Rotherham and Sheffield. From practical roller blinds to stylish wooden blinds, we can cater to all needs and tastes. Whilst moisture resistant blinds may not be waterproof, they are less likely to warp in response to condensation. This makes them great for damp and humid spaces such as bathrooms or kitchens. They’re also quick and easy to wipe down should mildew begin to appear.
How to clean mould and mildew off vertical blinds
Sometimes, mould and mildew may find its way on to your blinds even despite your best efforts to protect them. If this happens, don’t despair. It’s possible to clean them to remove these fungal growths with relative ease. Whatever fabric they’re made from, you can clean them property yourself without taking them the dry cleaner. You should start by getting rid of any loose dirt. A vacuum cleaner can help you to do this quickly. Then, mix water with a natural detergent and either wash them by hand or in the washing machine.
Contact UKBlinds Direct
UKBlinds Direct has been one of the leading suppliers and installers of quality-made blinds in Sheffield and Rotherham for many years, so why not get in touch? Whether you’re seeking expert advice on protecting your blinds from window condensation or you want to know more about our impressive product catalogue, we can assist. Call us on 0114 419 0237 (Sheffield) or 01709 645 047 (Rotherham) to talk to one of our friendly team. You can also email us at ukblindsdirectsheffield@gmail.com and someone will get back to you right away.