Windows always foggy—anyone tried fixing them yourself?

Definitely agree with the gloves tip—I learned that lesson too after a close call. I'd also suggest checking out insulating glass units if you're replacing anyway. Did mine a couple years back, and the difference in energy bills was noticeable almost right away. Plus, no more condensation puddles on the windowsill every morning... totally worth the extra effort and cost in my opinion.

"Plus, no more condensation puddles on the windowsill every morning... totally worth the extra effort and cost in my opinion."

Good point about the insulating glass units. If replacing isn't an option right now, you can still tackle foggy windows temporarily. Here's what worked for me:

1. Check window seals first—sometimes they're just loose or cracked. A quick silicone caulk job can help.
2. Improve ventilation around the windows. Even cracking them open slightly or using a small fan nearby reduces moisture buildup.
3. Use moisture absorbers like silica gel packs or those disposable dehumidifier boxes on the sill.

Did these steps myself before upgrading, and they definitely helped keep things manageable until I was ready for new windows. Not a permanent fix, but it'll buy you some time.

Good tips there, especially about ventilation. I had a similar issue in my old place—windows were constantly fogging up, especially in winter. Tried the silica gel packs too, and they did help a bit, but honestly, the biggest improvement came when I installed some trickle vents at the top of the frames. They're pretty cheap and easy to fit yourself if you're handy with basic tools. Basically, they let a tiny amount of air circulate without letting in drafts or noise.

Also, one thing I'd caution about silicone caulk: make sure you're using the right type for windows. Some general-purpose silicones can shrink or crack over time, which just puts you back at square one. Look for something specifically labeled for window sealing—usually it'll say "weatherproof" or "window and door" on the tube.

Eventually, I did upgrade to double-pane units, and yeah... night-and-day difference. But until then, these little fixes kept things under control enough that I wasn't wiping down puddles every morning.

Trickle vents are a solid suggestion, definitely helped me out too. I had a similar fogging issue in my basement windows—humidity was always high down there, especially after heavy rain. Tried silica packs, but honestly, they were more hassle than help for me. Ended up installing those small trickle vents you mentioned, and it made a noticeable difference.

One thing I'd add though: if you're dealing with older wooden frames, make sure they're still solid before drilling into them. I found some rot in mine when I started poking around, and ended up having to replace sections of the frame first (fun times...). Also, totally agree on the silicone caulk—learned that lesson the hard way. The cheap stuff shrank and cracked within a year, so now I always grab the tubes specifically labeled for windows and doors.

Double-pane windows are definitely the dream upgrade, but until budget allows, these little fixes can really save your sanity. At least I'm not waking up to mini lakes on the sills anymore...

"Double-pane windows are definitely the dream upgrade, but until budget allows, these little fixes can really save your sanity."

Yeah, double-pane is ideal, but have you checked your gutters and drainage around the house? Sometimes fogging issues start outside—poor drainage can really ramp up basement humidity. Worth a quick look before diving into window upgrades...