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A Good Housekeeping report advises moving five things away from windowsills where condensation collects: picture frames, plants, books, general clutter and thick curtains. The report says moisture can damage belongings and that clutter and closed curtains may slow drying; the extent of risk depends on conditions in each home.
Good Housekeeping has advised homeowners to clear five items from windowsills where condensation collects: picture frames, plants, books, general clutter and thick curtains. The report says moisture on cold glass can run onto the sill, potentially damaging belongings and creating damp conditions; moving items and allowing airflow may reduce those risks.
The report explains that condensation forms when warm, humid indoor air meets cold window glass and cools to its dew point. In colder weather, water can gather on the glass, run down and pool on the sill. The article does not quantify how often this happens or how much damage any item might sustain.
Photographs and books are vulnerable to moisture, according to the report. Water can seep through gaps in picture frames and distort prints; pooled water may also damage a frame. Books may develop wavy pages, and prolonged dampness can be associated with mold and a musty smell. The report recommends keeping books in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight.
Plants, clutter and curtains can also be affected or contribute to damp conditions. The article says wet soil may dry more slowly near a condensating window, while leaves touching cold glass may be damaged. Items crowded on a sill can restrict airflow, and curtains pressed against the glass may trap moisture. Its practical suggestions include moving plants slightly back, clearing unnecessary objects, opening curtains during the day and using trickle vents where available.
How Damp Sills Can Damage Belongings
The advice matters because condensation can affect both personal possessions and the area around a window. Paper, photographs and some frames may warp or deteriorate after repeated exposure to moisture. Plants may also suffer if their soil stays wet or foliage rests against cold glass, although outcomes will vary by plant and indoor conditions.
Keeping the sill clear can also make it easier for air to circulate and for moisture to dry. The report links trapped dampness with conditions that can support mold or mildew growth on nearby surfaces and curtains. It does not establish that clearing a sill alone will prevent mold; persistent condensation may have other causes and may require attention to ventilation, heating or the building itself.
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Why Windows Collect Winter Moisture
The Good Housekeeping article frames the advice around colder weather, when indoor heating and differences between room air and window temperature can coincide. Its explanation is that moisture in warm air condenses on a colder surface, then may run down the pane and collect below.
The report was written by Good Housekeeping Household Advice Editor Katie, whose role includes cleaning and decluttering coverage, according to the supplied source material. The article offers household guidance rather than a measured study, and it provides no test data comparing damage across different sill items or ventilation setups.
““hot, humid air meets the cold window glass””
— Good Housekeeping report
Damage Depends on Home Conditions
The source does not say how quickly damage occurs, how much condensation is enough to cause it, or whether the five recommendations have been tested in controlled conditions. Risk is likely to depend on factors such as how often water forms, how long surfaces remain damp, room ventilation and the materials involved; the article supplies no measurements for those variables.
It also does not identify the cause of condensation in any particular home or offer a diagnosis for persistent dampness. The suggested use of acrylic frames is presented as a more protective option, but the report explicitly says they are not fully waterproof. Moving objects may help protect them, but the article does not claim this will resolve an underlying moisture problem.
Practical Steps for Wet Windows
The report’s immediate advice is to move vulnerable belongings off the sill, keep books somewhere dry and position plants so their leaves do not touch the glass. Clear excess clutter to allow airflow, and open curtains during the day where practical. If a window has trickle vents, the article suggests opening them regularly for added ventilation when curtains are closed.
Homeowners can watch whether water continues to collect after making those changes, but the source gives no formal follow-up schedule or product recommendation for treating recurring condensation. If dampness persists or mold appears, the report does not specify a remedy; readers may need advice suited to the cause and severity of the problem.
Key Questions
Which five things should be moved from a wet windowsill?
The Good Housekeeping report names picture frames, plants, books, general clutter and thick curtains. Its advice is aimed at windowsills where condensation gathers.
Why can condensation harm books and framed photos?
The report says moisture may make book pages wavy and can seep through frame gaps, potentially distorting photographs. It also describes mold and musty smells as possible signs of prolonged dampness.
Do plants need to be moved far from the window?
The article recommends moving plants away from the sill but keeping them nearby to retain access to light. It warns that wet soil may dry slowly and leaves touching cold glass may be damaged.
Should curtains be removed to prevent condensation?
No. The report says to open curtains during the day to improve airflow and avoid tucking them onto the sill at night. It also mentions opening trickle vents where windows have them.
Will clearing the windowsill stop condensation?
The source does not say that it will. Clearing items may improve airflow and protect belongings, but the cause of persistent condensation is not established by the report.
Source: goodhousekeeping.com
