Bathroom humidity isn't just a nuisance; over time, it can lead to dampness, mold, and even serious plumbing risks. And when temperatures drop in winter, the issue becomes more urgent, with warm indoor air meeting cold surfaces to create more moisture and produce higher levels of condensation.
If your bathroom isn't equipped to handle humidity, now is the time to find solutions and help to prevent and get rid of mold and mildew in your home. But before you fork out on costly additions like dehumidifiers, there's one hack you need to try: placing aluminum foil behind your bathroom mirror to reduce the condensation. It might sound surprising, but experts say that a simple strip of foil really can help to stop the condensation on your bathroom mirror.
All you'll need is some spacers or dual screws, like this set from Amazon – plus some aluminum foil, of course. (You can pick up a 225 square-foot foil roll from Walmart, if you're looking to stock up.)
For the aluminum foil to work effectively, you'll need to make sure that your bathroom mirror isn't flush with the wall. This is where spacers or dual screws are crucial: experts say that your mirror should be between 1 and 2 centimeters away from the wall before you place the foil behind it.
Once your mirror is secure, cut your foil to size and get ready to slide it behind your mirror. Equally as crucial, however, is the placement of the foil: this method requires the dull side of the foil to be facing outwards.
Once your foil is in position, check that nothing is visible from the front – to maintain the sleek appearance of your bathroom, of course.
The beauty of this hack is that it doesn't require any lengthy DIY or expensive equipment, and you don't need to worry about introducing any unsightly features into your space. We explore more ways to use aluminium foil around your home in our dedicated feature.
How the Aluminum Foil Hack Works
You'd be forgiven for feeling sceptical about this hack, but experts say that aluminum foil is an effective quick-fix for reducing condensation on bathroom mirrors.
'Foil reflects and evenly distributes heat across the back of your mirror, helping to prevent the glass from cooling unevenly,' explains Alex Woods, bathroom expert at Victorian Plumbing.
'Fog forms when warm, moist air meets a cooler surface – after a shower, for example – causing condensation to appear as tiny droplets,' he adds. 'By keeping the mirror’s surface temperature more consistent, this trick reduces the chances of condensation forming.'
Alex notes that, while the foil provides a reflective backing that keeps heat stable, 'the air gap created by the spacers also adds insulation, further controlling the mirror’s temperature'.
Ultimately, the combination of the spacers and foil serves to increase the insulation around your mirror while controlling the temperature – and this is what can reduce condensation.
'The setup creates a small air gap and a reflective backing, without affecting the appearance of your mirror,' concludes Alex.
Does Aluminum Foil Really Prevent Condensation?
A simple and budget-friendly method always begs the question: does it really work?
This one is undoubtedly easy to try, and it can help to reduce condensation in the short term. For a more permanent solution, however, you'll likely need to make a larger investment – and it all comes down to ventilation.
'Control your air and temperature, and you’ll get the best results,' says Danny Niemela, Vice President and CFO at Arizona-based luxury home remodeling firm ArDan Construction. 'I recommend installing a fan with a timer switch that automatically runs for 30 minutes after your shower.'
If foggy mirrors are your primary issue, it might be worth upgrading your setup using a heating pad or anti-fog technology.
'You can address the problem at the source by purchasing an anti-fog LED mirror,' suggests Danny. 'They use less than 40 watts of power, produce even heat across the surface, and can be found for as little as $150.' (This bestselling anti-fog vanity mirror is just $89.99 at Amazon, for example.)
Danny's simplest advice? 'Try a heating pad or mirror defogger, or run your fan for 15 minutes after you shower'.
These methods aren't quite as affordable as picking up some aluminum foil from your local supermarket, but they will provide a more stable solution. For a quick fix, however, it's always worth having the foil on hand.
What to Shop
These dual screws will create that all-important air gap between your wall and mirror. They're budget-friendly and easy to install.
At just under $90, this bathroom mirror is a steal: not only does it boast a de-fog function, but it's also equipped with two dimmable light sources.
This handy piece of kit is a more durable alternative to foil; it warms the back of your mirror to prevent the uneven heating that leads to condensation.
Our team says this is one of the best dehumidifiers on the market. It can remove up to 50 pints of moisture per day, making it ideal for bathroom use.
If your bathroom is particularly humid after a shower, these moisture absorbers are a brilliant investment. They're leakproof and simple to set up.
Anti-fog spray isn't just designed for your car windshield; it can also be a life-saver in bathrooms. Simply spray it onto your mirror and leave it to dry.
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