Keeping windows clear when the air feels like soup

I’ve tried those moisture absorber packs in the past, and honestly, I didn’t notice much of a difference for window fog. They work better in small, enclosed spaces—think closets, not open rooms like kitchens. Cracking the window and running a fan helps a bit, but if the humidity outside is as high as inside, you’re just swapping one muggy air for another.

What’s worked for me is running a dehumidifier in the kitchen during the worst weeks. It’s not the cheapest option, but it really cuts down on condensation. I know people say just to “live with it” in summer, but persistent fogging can actually lead to mold around the window frames. That’s what happened in our old place, and it was a pain to clean up.

If you don’t want to invest in a dehumidifier, you could try wiping the windows with a solution of water and a teeny bit of dish soap. It leaves a film that can cut down on fog, at least for a few days. Not a perfect fix, but better than nothing.

You’re spot on about those moisture absorber packs—they’re kind of a letdown in open rooms. I’ve seen folks try lining them up on windowsills, but unless you’re working with a closet or a tiny bathroom, they just can’t keep up. Dehumidifiers really are the heavy hitters when it comes to this stuff, even if they’re a bit of an investment. I’ve had customers balk at the price, but then they see how much water those things actually pull out of the air... it’s wild.

Totally agree too about the risk of mold. I’ve had to tear out and replace more than a few window frames because of that sneaky black stuff hiding in the corners. Not fun, and never cheap. That dish soap trick is a clever workaround for the short term, though—I’ve used shaving cream before too, believe it or not. Works about the same, just leaves the kitchen smelling a bit odd for a while.

Honestly, you’re doing all the right things. Sometimes it’s just about finding what’s “good enough” until the humidity finally drops.

- Been there with the “window soup” situation… humidity just laughs at those little absorber packs in my living room.
- Dehumidifier is definitely a wallet hit, but mine basically pays rent with how much water it pulls out every week.
- Mold is the worst—found a patch behind my curtains last year and nearly panicked. Ended up scrubbing with vinegar and crossing fingers.
- The dish soap trick works, but I tried baby shampoo once (ran out of everything else)—windows stayed clear, smelled like a nursery for days.
- At this point, if I can see through the glass, I call it a win and wait for fall to do its thing.

- Dehumidifier is definitely a wallet hit, but mine basically pays rent with how much water it pulls out every week.

- That baby shampoo trick cracked me up—never tried that, but I’ve definitely wiped my windows down with whatever was under the sink before work.
- The dehumidifier’s a beast, but the electric bill is no joke either. Still, it’s better than peeling moldy caulk every year.
- Those absorber tubs? Maybe they help in a closet, but I had three lined up on the sill last July and still couldn’t see the bird feeder.
- At this point, I just accept the “morning fog” as part of summer décor. If the windows aren’t dripping, I call it good enough.

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At this point, I just accept the “morning fog” as part of summer décor. If the windows aren’t dripping, I call it good enough.

- I get that. Our place is only a few years old and I still wake up to windows that look like a greenhouse.
- Tried the absorber tubs too—total letdown in rooms bigger than a closet.
- Dehumidifier helps, but yeah, my power bill took a hit.
- I’m skeptical about the baby shampoo thing... but honestly, if it keeps me from scrubbing mold, maybe it’s worth a shot.
- At this point, I just crack a window and hope for the best unless the humidity gets out of hand.

I’ve tried those absorber tubs too and, yeah, they’re basically useless unless you want to keep your sock drawer dry. I keep thinking there’s gotta be a better way, but every trick seems to come with its own headache. Dehumidifier works, but I swear I can hear my wallet crying every time the power bill shows up.

The baby shampoo thing—my cousin swears by it, but she also puts vinegar in her laundry, so I’m not sure if I trust her methods. I gave it a shot on one window and honestly, it just made the glass streaky and weird. Maybe I did it wrong... or maybe it’s just another internet hack that sounds better than it is.

At this point, I just keep a towel handy and wipe down the worst of it in the morning. Not glamorous, but at least I’m not battling mold (yet). If someone figures out a magic fix that doesn’t cost a fortune or leave my house smelling like a daycare, I’m all ears.

Man, you’re not alone. I’ve seen every “miracle” trick out there and most just end up making the window look worse—or smell weirder. Honestly, wiping it down in the morning is underrated. Sometimes low-tech is the only thing that keeps you sane (and your wallet intact). If you ever figure out how to keep condensation away without burning through cash or elbow grease, you’ll be a legend... until then, towels it is.

I hear you on the miracle solutions—half of them just make a mess or leave streaks that are worse than the fog itself. I’ve tried the DIY anti-fog sprays (vinegar, shaving cream, you name it), but honestly, nothing beats just cracking a window for a bit, even if it lets in some humidity. Have you looked into insulating film or thermal curtains? I added film to my north-facing windows last winter, and while it didn’t totally eliminate condensation, it did cut it down a lot. Curious if anyone’s had better luck with those dehumidifier packs you stick on the sill—seems too simple, but maybe it works?

- Been down the same road with those sprays and “miracle” wipes. Most of them just smear things around or make the glass look worse, at least in my experience.
- Insulating film helped here too—took the edge off the cold, and condensation wasn’t as bad, but yeah, it’s not magic. North windows are always a pain in winter.
- Thermal curtains did more for keeping the drafts out than for the fog. They don’t do much if you’re opening them every morning anyway.
- Tried those little silica dehumidifier packs on the sills last year when my partner was convinced they’d solve everything. Honestly? Maybe a slight improvement, but nothing dramatic. You have to remember to “recharge” them in the oven or microwave every so often or they stop working.
- Cracking a window is still the simplest fix here, even if it’s annoying when it’s cold. I’ve also found running a fan across the glass helps sometimes—just moves air enough to keep things clear.

Feels like there’s no perfect solution, just a bunch of little things that add up. At least you know you’re not alone in fighting the soup air...