Irish households urged to place salt bowls behind curtains as freezing temperatures return | Dublin Live

This idea using salt bowls can help reduce condensation and prevent damp in Irish homes as temperatures drop to freezing this week

Households throughout Ireland are being urged to place bowls of salt behind their curtains this week as an easy method to cut condensation and ward off damp.

Whilst salt is primarily recognised as a cooking essential, it can also serve a remarkably useful purpose around the house during chilly weather by drawing moisture from the atmosphere and helping to maintain dry windows, walls and wardrobes.

Condensation develops when warm, moist air indoors meets cold surfaces such as windows. This is especially prevalent during winter months, when properties are heated through the night whilst outdoor temperatures plummet.

Daily activities including preparing meals, bathing, drying laundry indoors and even simply breathing add moisture to the atmosphere. Properties with inadequate ventilation or inherently elevated humidity levels are particularly susceptible to this issue.

Whilst condensation on its own poses no threat, the damp environment it generates can promote mould development. In time, mould spores may lead to respiratory ailments such as asthma, eczema and bronchitis, reports the Irish Mirror.

Ireland has recently come through its first cold spell of 2026, but wintry weather is expected to make a comeback. Met Éireann has cautioned that "there will also be a switch to a more easterly airflow towards the weekend", which will bring below average temperatures once again.

Temperatures are set to plummet to freezing on Thursday night, with forecasts predicting a further drop to -1C on Friday. As the cold snap approaches, condensation is expected to return to many households - leading experts to advise homeowners to take action before Thursday evening to minimise the risk of dampness.

Thankfully, there's an inexpensive and straightforward solution for those without a dehumidifier - a simple bowl of salt. Salt possesses natural moisture-absorbing qualities and can help extract water vapour from the atmosphere, decreasing the chances of condensation appearing on windows and other cold surfaces.

Experts suggest positioning bowls of salt behind curtains, on windowsills and inside wardrobes or cupboards susceptible to dampness, the Express reports.

Table salt is available at low cost in supermarkets throughout Ireland, including Dunnes Stores, where a 750g bottle is priced at just 45 cents.

DIY specialist Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades said: "A bag of salt can act as a natural dehumidifier. Salt pulls moisture out of the air.

"Leaving a small bowl on windowsills, especially overnight, can noticeably cut down condensation and stop mould before it starts. Fill a small ramekin, jar or dish with any cheap table or rock salt and place it on windowsills, behind curtains and inside wardrobes or cupboards prone to damp.

"The salt absorbs moisture from the air and will gradually clump together as it becomes saturated, a sign that it's working. It can be replaced cheaply whenever needed."

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