1. Know Your Enemy
The first step to getting rid of foggy windows is to understand the root cause of them. If within your house there is an air conditioner that is constantly running, then the moisture in the air will condense on your windowpanes. Additionally, if you live in a particularly humid climate, think about using a dehumidifier in areas with a lot of water vapor. This can be especially helpful if you live in an area that experiences frequent thunderstorms (such as Dallas). Both of these problems are easily rectified with simple fixes.
2. Clean Your Glass
The next step is to clean the glass. You'll first want to try and do this with a towel, but if that doesn't work and there's still a considerable amount of fog, then you will have to move on to more aggressive techniques. If you can, have someone else hold the towel for you so you can use both of your hands-frees. The first thing to do will be to get a lint-free cloth and wipe down the surface of the glass. If this doesn't fix the problem, then it is time for some elbow grease! The next step will be to apply rubbing alcohol or vinegar directly onto the window pane.
3. Other Methods To Remove Foggy Glass
There are several other methods that can help you remove fog from your windows, but they may not be suitable for all situations – or for everyone. The spray bottle method, for example, can be useful if you happen to have a spray bottle lying around somewhere in your house. Fill the water bottle with isopropyl alcohol (do NOT use rubbing alcohol!) and then proceed to spray the windows down. Again, this can sometimes work very well to get rid of the fog on your windowpanes. If it doesn’t work on its own, consider trying it in conjunction with the methods above.
4. Use A Dehumidifier
If you have a lot of moisture in your air, then it’s best to use a dehumidifier. This will draw out the moisture from your house and into the air conditioning unit. As a result, your windowpanes will be much clearer. This is especially effective in the summer, as air conditioning units can make a house very damp if they are running continually.
5. Avoid Using Abrasives
After you’ve managed to get rid of the fog from your windows, it’s best not to use any abrasive chemicals or materials on them. This will only run the risk of scratching and clouding the glass, which defeats the purpose if your goal is to create a more clear view. Instead, simply use some common household chemicals like vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
6. Stop The Fog From Coming Back
Once the windows that you want to clean are fully clean, you’ll want to stop them from getting foggy again. This can be done easily by simply creating a draft in the room which contains the affected windowpanes. A fan will do this job perfectly well, as it will keep a constant flow of air coming into and past your home. If you wish, you can also hang damp towels up around where the window is – this will create evaporation which stops any humidity from building up on your windows. Applying heat to your windows is not recommended, as it can cause damage to their surface and make them more likely to become covered in condensation.
7. If All Else Fails
There may come a time when these methods don’t suffice in getting rid of the fog on your windows. For example, if you have a particularly bad case of foggy glass then you may not be able to get it out with these simple tips and tricks. In this case, you should contact an exterior window company that can replace the glass for you. This can cost you a pretty penny, but it is one of the best ways to get rid of foggy windows.
How To Keep Windows From Fogging Up When Raining?
Here are some tips that may help:
- Have your AC unit set at 1/4 to 1/2 of the way on high, with the dehumidifier on.
- Have it set at 1/4 on high, but keep your furnace fan running full blast for 15 to 20 minutes before going inside.
- Have your heater off during the winter and just keep windows closed during winter - Have the AC set at 2/3 (mid-low) during summer months, and not cool the house too much when warm.
- Keep humidity low by opening windows, turning off fans, and using a hair dryer or a smaller suction fan when needed.
What Causes Foggy Windows?
Foggy or misty windows may occur due to three main reasons:
The temperature difference between the window pane and the air outdoors results in condensation forming on the glass. The result of running a humidifier or placing potted plants that constantly discharge moisture near your windows. This situation is often found in bathrooms, where moisture is constantly produced by hot showers and baths. A wet room – because walls and ceilings are painted with low-quality paint that absorbs moisture from the air, which then slowly evaporates into the room.
Final Thoughts
Foggy windows should not be taken lightly. The damage foggy windows can cause to a home’s interior is quite devastating and should be addressed as soon as possible. The sooner you get this problem dealt with, the better.
