Water on Your Windows Every Morning? Put a Bowl of This on the Windowsill

What really helps

Start every morning with a squeegee. Wipe the glass from top to bottom, empty the water into the sink, and dry the windowsill and frame with a cloth. It takes two minutes per window. Water that stays on the frame lets mold grow on the sealant and the wood, so this simple habit matters more than any trick.

Then let the moist air out. Open the window wide for five to ten minutes in the morning; a short, wide airing works better than a window left slightly open all day, which only cools the walls. If your windows have trickle vents (the small slots at the top of the frame), keep them open. Run the bathroom fan while you shower and for about 15 minutes after; keep the bathroom door closed, use the range hood when you cook, and put lids on your pans.

Try not to dry laundry indoors; use a line outside or a dryer that vents to the outside. Keep the heating fairly steady instead of very cold at night and hot in the morning, because cold walls and glass collect the most water. Open curtains and blinds during the day, so the glass can warm up. For a room that stays damp, a dehumidifier is the strongest fix. Aim for an indoor humidity of about 40 to 60 percent; a cheap hygrometer shows you the number. And now for that special trick? On the next page, learn how to do it right, and when to call someone.