Last February, I watched my elderly neighbor Maria place a simple ceramic bowl on her windowsill every morning. Inside was nothing more than tap water and a generous handful of table salt. I thought she was preparing for some kind of cleaning ritual, maybe something her grandmother had taught her decades ago. But as the weeks passed, I noticed something remarkable: while my own windows were constantly fogged with condensation, dripping with moisture that pooled on the sill, hers remained crystal clear.
When I finally asked her about it, she smiled and said, “It’s my winter aluminum foil trick.” I had no idea what she meant until she explained how this salt water window trick had completely transformed her apartment’s humidity problem. No more daily wiping. No more black mold creeping into the corners. Just clear glass and comfortable air.
That little bowl was doing something I’d never seen before, and it cost her maybe fifty cents total.
Why windows cry in winter and how salt changes everything
Winter condensation happens when warm, humid indoor air hits cold window glass. The temperature difference forces moisture out of the air, creating those annoying droplets that seem to multiply by the hour. You might run the heat higher, crack windows for ventilation, or constantly wipe down surfaces, but the problem keeps returning.
The salt water window trick works on a completely different principle. Salt naturally absorbs moisture from the air around it, creating its own microclimate near the window. As Dr. Sarah Chen, a building physics expert, explains: “Salt is hygroscopic, meaning it pulls water vapor from the surrounding atmosphere. A bowl of salt water essentially becomes a passive dehumidifier for that specific area.”
Unlike aluminum foil on windows during summer heat, which reflects light and temperature, this winter method tackles the root cause of condensation: excess humidity right where it matters most.
The process is surprisingly elegant. As salt dissolves into water, it creates a solution that continues absorbing atmospheric moisture. The bowl gradually collects more water while keeping the immediate air drier. Your window stays clear because there’s simply less humidity available to condense on the cold glass.
Setting up your salt water humidity solution
Getting this trick right involves more than just dumping salt in water. The proportions, placement, and maintenance all matter for maximum effectiveness.
Here’s what you need and how to use it:
- Bowl size: Use a container that’s 4-6 inches wide and at least 2 inches deep
- Salt type: Regular table salt works perfectly; sea salt or rock salt also work well
- Water amount: Fill bowl halfway with room temperature water
- Salt ratio: Add 2-3 tablespoons of salt per cup of water
- Placement: Position bowl on windowsill, as close to glass as possible
- Distance from heat sources: Keep at least 12 inches away from radiators or vents
The effectiveness varies based on your specific situation:
| Room Size | Window Type | Recommended Bowls | Maintenance Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bedroom | Single pane | 1 bowl per window | Refill weekly |
| Living room | Double glazed | 1 bowl per 4 feet of window | Check every 5 days |
| Kitchen/bathroom | Any type | 2 bowls minimum | Refill every 3-4 days |
| Basement rooms | Single pane | 1 bowl per window + extras | Daily monitoring |
Home improvement specialist Mike Rodriguez notes: “The beauty of this method is its simplicity and safety. Unlike chemical dehumidifiers or electric units, salt water poses no risk to pets or children, and it costs virtually nothing to maintain.”
Real results people are seeing in their homes
Families using the salt water window trick report dramatic improvements in their winter comfort levels. Jennifer Walsh, a mother of three in Minneapolis, started using this method after her children’s bedroom windows were constantly dripping moisture.
“Within three days, the condensation was completely gone,” she says. “The room felt less clammy, and I stopped worrying about mold growing in the window frames.”
The trick works especially well for people dealing with:
- Older homes with poor insulation
- Apartments where you can’t control heating systems
- Bedrooms that feel stuffy despite ventilation
- Kitchens and bathrooms with persistent moisture problems
- Basements or ground-floor rooms prone to dampness
Professional contractor Lisa Park has recommended this approach to dozens of clients: “When people can’t afford major humidity control systems, this gives them immediate relief. I’ve seen it prevent thousands of dollars in moisture damage.”
The method becomes even more valuable for renters who can’t install permanent humidity control systems. Unlike major renovations or expensive equipment, anyone can try this approach regardless of their housing situation or budget.
Some users get creative with presentation, using decorative bowls that match their home décor. Others set up multiple small containers instead of single large ones. The key is maintaining the salt-to-water ratio and keeping the solution fresh.
Tom Bradley, a retiree who manages several rental properties, stocks salt water bowls in units with chronic condensation problems: “Tenants love it because it’s natural, cheap, and actually works. I love it because it prevents the expensive moisture damage I used to deal with every spring.”
The comparison to aluminum foil on summer windows makes perfect sense once you understand both methods. Summer foil reflects heat away from windows. Winter salt water pulls moisture away from windows. Both create more comfortable indoor environments using simple, affordable materials most people already have at home.
FAQs
How often should I change the salt water in the bowl?
Replace the solution when it becomes very cloudy or when the water level doubles from absorbed humidity, typically every 5-7 days.
Can I use any type of salt for this window trick?
Yes, table salt, sea salt, and rock salt all work effectively. Avoid flavored or iodized salts as they may leave residue.
Will the salt water bowl work in very humid rooms like bathrooms?
It works, but you’ll need to refill more frequently and may want to use multiple bowls for better coverage in high-humidity areas.
Is it safe to leave salt water bowls around pets and children?
Generally yes, but place bowls where they won’t be knocked over. The salt concentration isn’t dangerous if small amounts are accidentally consumed.
How does this compare to running a dehumidifier?
Electric dehumidifiers cover larger areas but cost more to operate. Salt water bowls work well for targeted window condensation at virtually no cost.
What should I do if the bowl isn’t preventing all condensation?
Try using a larger bowl, adding more salt, or placing additional bowls near the same window for increased moisture absorption capacity.
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