Why Caravan Windows Steam Up (& How To Prevent It)

Some of the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Caravan windows steaming up can be annoying and worrisome, especially for new caravan owners. Caravan windows tend to mist up, but that doesn’t mean they’re broken. So why do they steam, and how can you stop it?

Caravan windows steam up mainly because of temperature changes and moisture in the air. They aren’t completely sealed, so a considerable temperature difference between the outside and the inside will cause this moisture to condense out, forming mist on the windows.

I’ll explain why your caravan windows mist up in this article. I’ll suggest what you need to do and how to fix it. These practical tips will help you get the most out of your camping trip.

Why Do My Caravan Windows Steam Up?

Caravan windows aren’t vacuum sealed, making them vulnerable to condensation. Condensation occurs when warm moist air cools on a cold surface. That’s why you’re likely to experience your caravan windows misting up in winter, early in the morning, or when it’s raining, because of the vast temperature difference between the snuggly warm interior of your caravan and the chilliness outside.

Caravan windows steam up because moisture in the air condenses on the cold glass surfaces. Ventilating your caravan more often to allow more air flow can prevent your caravan windows from misting. You can also try leaving some doors between the compartments open.

How To Prevent Caravan Windows Steaming Up

Your caravan windows steaming up indicates that your caravan isn’t getting sufficient ventilation. This should be a cause for concern because it could cause the development of mold, rot, and mildew. Thankfully, there are practical ways to fix the problem.

Follow these steps to prevent your caravan windows from misting up:

  1. Remove water in kettles, coffee makers, and pots.
  2. Avoid overheating your camper, especially at night.
  3. Open your caravan skylights, windows, and doors regularly to allow moist air to escape and dry air to come in.
  4. Use a fan or open your windows while cooking or washing to ventilate your caravan correctly.
  5. If you have a water tank in your caravan, empty it frequently to prevent it from backing into the shower or sink.
  6. Try to schedule your showering time during the day and not at night. Water evaporates better during the day, and you’ll have enough time to ventilate your caravan.
  7. Don’t air your wet clothes in the camper during winter. Water vapor will accumulate excessively inside and most likely mist your windows. Remember, you’ll tend to heat your camper more and open your windows and doors less during winter creating perfect conditions for the camper windows to steam up.

What To Do If Your Caravan Windows Steam Up

A lot of humidity in an indoor environment emanates from breathing. A family of four can produce about 112 pints (53 liters) of water vapor weekly. Other household activities like washing, cooking, showering, and boiling water in a kettle contribute significantly to indoor water vapor.

Condensation is likely to occur when indoor humidity levels exceed 60% and the temperature difference between the inside and the outside increases significantly. It’s more pronounced on colder surfaces, which are your caravan windows.

Here’s what you need to do to clear the mist from your caravan windows:

  • Use a window cleaner vacuum to suck up the mist already condensed on your caravan windows. Although most handheld vacuum window cleaners are made to clean regular windows, you can still use them on motor-home windows without a problem. You can buy this Kärcher WV 1 Window Vac (available on Amazon.co.uk) to clear steam from your caravan windows. It’s convenient to use on windows, leaving a streak-free finish.
  • Remove the poly-plastic window bungs from your caravan windows to create temporary ventilation holes. Be careful when removing them because they might get stuck between the panes.
  • Use a dehumidifier to extract any excess moisture lingering in your motorhome.
  • Install an extractor in your caravan kitchen, and use it whenever you cook.
  • Check if your ventilation is blocked or clogged up. Thoroughly clean your kitchen and bathroom ventilation because moisture tends to accumulate fast in these areas.
  • Open your motor-home windows to ‘Nightvent’ to remove any excess moisture lingering in the air.
  • Always park your camper in the sun during the day to enable sun rays to hit the windows.

This YouTube video details how to solve condensation on caravan windows: