Washing Up Liquid Condensation Hack
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About
The Washing Up Liquid Condensation Hack is a life hack that claims using washing up liquid, aka liquid dishwashing soap, prevents windows from gathering condensation. The hack went viral on TikTok in late 2022 and inspired a warning from a plumbing expert in Manchester, UK, who claims that the hack diverts the condensation into the walls and ceiling, potentially damaging your home.
Origin
The washing up liquid condensation hack has been shared online since the 2000s, including in an article published by The Naked Scientists[1] on December 9th, 2007. The hack claims that by putting a small amount of liquid dish soap diluted with water onto a cloth and wiping it on a window that frequently gets condensation on it, you can prevent condensation from building up. As early as October 2020, TikTokers[2] began sharing videos of themselves trying this method (shown below).
@not.all.there why do people not know this or believe me when i say it 😂 try it! #hack #cleaninghack #cleaninghacks #condensation #condensationhack #cleaning ♬ Vibe (If I Back It Up) – Cookiee Kawaii
Spread
In late 2022, TikTokers started posting videos sharing the hack more frequently, with numerous examples going viral. On September 9th, 2022, TikToker[3] @mamamcchan posted a video sharing the hack, garnering over 950,000 views in three months. On December 6th, TikToker[4] @lynsey_queenofclean posted a video sharing the hack, garnering over 1.5 million views in six days (shown below). On December 8th, TikToker[5] @naziaxhome posted a similar video, garnering over 3 million views in four days.
@lynsey_queenofclean You’ll never believe it, but this old school tip is amazing to stop window condensation! My mum told me about this last week I shared in my stories. The following day they literally blow up with loads of you having amazing results. To prevent condensation on your windows this time of year just simply rub a tiny drop of neat washing up liquid using a dry cloth all over the effected windows (using mire here for the video than I need just so you can see) and this will stop the condensation leaving you with dry windows in the morning. Did you try it? Did you get a great result ? A few people asked me were the water goes but I don’t know the answer to that but what I do know is it works so give it a ago. There are, of course of a methods that you can try, and I have pop these all over on my website. #wintercleaning #condensation #cleaning #queenofclean #oldschool #oldfashioned #tips #homehacks #windowcleaning ♬ Home Alone – Somewhere In My Memory – Theme – Geek Music
Warning From Plumbing Expert
On December 10th, 2022, Manchester Evening News[6] published an article where a plumbing expert, Evan Jones, warns against using the hack. The expert, who works for Bathroom Supastore, says that while the hack does prevent condensation it also diverts that condensation, potentially into the walls, window frames and ceilings. Over time this can damage the home and cause mold. He also says that washing up liquid can damage rubber seals on windows. Jones suggests using a dehumidifier instead.
Various Examples
@sunnyisla Giving the washing up liquid on the window hack a go for condensation. Come back for pt 2 if you want to see if it worked! #condensation #condensationhack #condensationtip #washingupliquid #elbowgrease #clean #cleantok #cleaning #cleaningtiktok @elbowgreaseuk ♬ original sound – Sunny 🌿
@sams_sparkle_cleaning Suffered with condensation for so many years in the winter causing mould we brought a dehumidifier due to so many people advising one and the hack with the washing up liquid keeps water off window the results are just amazing 🤩 . . . #condensation #windows #winter #wet #mould #dehumidifier #washingupliquid #hacks #lifesaver #sohappy #finallybetter #horrible #somuchbetter ♬ Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift
@naziaxhome Trying out the condensation hack to see if it works! Result posted in the next video. #condensationhack #condensation #condensationtip #condensationtips #cleaningtip #cleaningtips #cleantok #cleaninghack #cleaninghacks ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
@abbiejosephinekeith Trying the washing up liquid trick that i’ve seen going round tiktok on my windows. 🤞🏻 it helps! #condensation #tiktoktrick ♬ original sound – Abbie Josephine Keith
Search Interest
External References
[1] The Naked Scientists – Stopping fogging
[2] TikTok – not.all.there
[3] TikTok – mamamcchan
[4] TikTok – lynsey_queenofclean
[5] TikTok – naziaxhome
[6] MEN – Word of warning over TikTok condensation hack that people should 'stop using right away'
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