Washing Up Liquid Condensation Hack

About

The Washing Up Liquid Condensation Hack is a life hack that claims using washing up liquid, aka liquid dishwashing soap, prevents windows from gathering condensation. The hack went viral on TikTok in late 2022 and inspired a warning from a plumbing expert in Manchester, UK, who claims that the hack diverts the condensation into the walls and ceiling, potentially damaging your home.

Origin

The washing up liquid condensation hack has been shared online since the 2000s, including in an article published by The Naked Scientists^[1] on December 9th, 2007. The hack claims that by putting a small amount of liquid dish soap diluted with water onto a cloth and wiping it on a window that frequently gets condensation on it, you can prevent condensation from building up. As early as October 2020, TikTokers^[2] began sharing videos of themselves trying this method (shown below).

Spread

In late 2022, TikTokers started posting videos sharing the hack more frequently, with numerous examples going viral. On September 9th, 2022, TikToker^[3] @mamamcchan posted a video sharing the hack, garnering over 950,000 views in three months. On December 6th, TikToker^[4] @lynsey_queenofclean posted a video sharing the hack, garnering over 1.5 million views in six days (shown below). On December 8th, TikToker^[5] @naziaxhome posted a similar video, garnering over 3 million views in four days.

Warning From Plumbing Expert

On December 10th, 2022, Manchester Evening News^[6] published an article where a plumbing expert, Evan Jones, warns against using the hack. The expert, who works for Bathroom Supastore, says that while the hack does prevent condensation it also diverts that condensation, potentially into the walls, window frames and ceilings. Over time this can damage the home and cause mold. He also says that washing up liquid can damage rubber seals on windows. Jones suggests using a dehumidifier instead.

Various Examples

Search Interest

External References