Exact time of day all UK households should open their windows

Condensation can become a genuine nightmare during this time of the year, with homeowners constantly searching for methods to eliminate mould from their window frames. The secret to avoiding this issue often lies in opening windows, even as temperatures begin to fall, and there's some important information you need to know.

Despite the increasingly chilly weather making us want to snuggle up inside, it remains crucial to open windows throughout autumn and winter whenever possible. Besides allowing fresh air to flow through the house, this practice also helps prevent condensation and stops mould from accumulating excessively, making it rather essential.

For those wondering about the optimal timing to achieve the best outcomes, we've got the solution. Opening your windows at an exact time of day can prove remarkably effective, with this guidance coming after UK households were advised to keep their windows open during cold spells.

• Multiple people attacked at Belfast train station as two go on rampage
• Weather maps show 0C freeze set to grip Brits as Arctic blast grips UK

Recently, people have been discussing this dilemma on Reddit, with one social media user posting: "When do you open your windows to prevent mould? I have struggled with mould in every property I've lived in in the UK. I've always been told to 1) ventilate rooms properly by opening windows every day, and 2) keep the property warm.

"This sounds like a stupid question, but when do you open your windows to prevent losing the heat? I want to have my heating on before I wake up in the morning, but then if I get up and open my windows I will lose all of that heat.

"Am I supposed to be suffering in the cold in the morning and opening my windows then?"

One person responded, stating: "You won't lose all of the heat by opening the windows for 10 minutes in the morning." Another chimed in with: "A (proper) dehumidifier is a good idea, but just opening most of your windows for five minutes a day should do a bulk of the work."

A third chipped in: "We wake up, get washed and dressed, then open the windows. As we're dressed we don't really get cold again for a while.

"Upstairs windows we tend to leave open a little for most of the day, [and] then close them in the evening so the bedrooms have time to warm up."

Meanwhile, a fourth noted: "I leave the upstairs windows open all the time and downstairs for a couple of hours in the morning. Stick a jumper on."

However, if you're after a more definitive solution, there's actually a precise timeframe people should open their windows to tackle the issue, according to specialists. It could prove incredibly helpful during the colder months ahead.

According to South Oxfordshire District Council, there are crucial moments you should open windows to stop condensation forming. Windows can be opened for short spells, such as between five to 15 minutes when it's chilly, and should ideally be done twice daily.

The website advises: "When cooking, open a window or use an extractor fan to let steam out. To reduce steam, keep a lid on saucepans as you cook.

"Open a window or use an extractor fan after a bath or shower and close the door so the moist air goes out of the window and not into the rest of your home. When running a bath put cold water in first then add hot - it reduces steam by 90%."

Therefore, there's no need to fret about feeling chilly during the colder months since, whilst it's crucial to open windows, you don't require lengthy periods to see the advantages. Actually, twice daily should be sufficient.

Regarding the precise timing for this, it simply depends on when you prepare meals and bathe, but opening them during these activities is extremely beneficial. This will help prevent excessive mould growth as temperatures drop.