My grandma swears by this trick to stop icy condensation on windows and it takes just 4 mins. Here's how it works

As winter approaches, many of us begin to dread the inevitable icy condensation that forms on our windows. Not only does it obstruct our view, but it can also lead to mold growth and damage to window frames. For years, countless homeowners have battled with this issue, often resorting to expensive solutions or ineffective methods.

However, my grandma, with her decades of experience, has always had a simple yet effective trick up her sleeve to combat this winter woe. This quick and easy method takes just four minutes and requires nothing more than common household items. In this article, I'll share her secret and explain why it works so well.

During the winter months, the ambient temperature outside drops significantly, while the warm air inside your home remains humid. When this warm, moist air comes into contact with the cold surface of a window, it cools and condenses into water droplets. If the temperature is low enough, these droplets can freeze, forming an icy layer. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in older homes with single-pane windows, which lack the insulation properties of modern double or triple-pane windows.

The problem is exacerbated in rooms with poor ventilation, as the humidity levels tend to be higher. Activities like cooking, showering, and even breathing contribute to indoor humidity. For instance, a family of four can add up to 12 liters of moisture to the air each day just through daily activities. Without proper ventilation, this moisture-laden air continuously condenses on cold surfaces, creating those pesky icy windows.

My grandma's trick is deceptively simple: she uses a common household item—shaving cream. Yes, the same stuff you use to shave. Shaving cream contains stearic acid, which forms a protective barrier on surfaces, preventing moisture from settling and freezing.

She applies a thin layer of shaving cream to the window pane and then buffs it away with a clean, dry cloth. This leaves behind an invisible coating that prevents condensation. The effectiveness of this method lies in its simplicity: no need for fancy gadgets or chemicals, just a can of shaving cream and a few minutes of your time.

To try this trick for yourself, you'll need just two items: a can of shaving cream (preferably the foamy kind, not the gel) and a clean, dry cloth. It's essential to use a non-gel shaving cream because the gel versions don't contain the same amount of stearic acid, which is crucial for creating the moisture barrier.

These items are probably already in your bathroom, making this hack both convenient and cost-effective. There's no need to buy anything extra or special, keeping the process as simple as possible.

Here's how you can replicate my grandma's method in just four minutes:

1. Start with clean windows. If they're dirty, wipe them down with a damp cloth and let them dry completely.

2. Shake the can of shaving cream well and apply a small amount (about the size of a golf ball) onto your hand or directly onto the window.

3. Spread the shaving cream evenly across the entire window pane using your hand or a cloth.

4. Allow it to sit for about a minute, then buff it off with a clean, dry cloth until the glass is clear and streak-free.

The result should be a clear window with an invisible layer of protection against condensation.

The key ingredient in shaving cream that makes this trick effective is stearic acid. Stearic acid is a type of saturated fatty acid that acts as a surfactant—a substance that reduces surface tension. When applied to a window, it creates a thin, invisible film that repels water.

This film prevents moisture in the air from settling and condensing on the window surface, effectively keeping it clear and free of ice. It's a simple example of using chemistry to solve a common household problem, providing a barrier that moisture cannot easily penetrate.