Humidity Problems
Dehumidifiers are the best way to reduce humidity in the home. But dehumidifiers cost money to buy and run.
There are several DIY methods you can use at home to reduce humidity. Most methods use things you already have in your home. This makes controlling humidity easier.
Causes of Indoor Humidity
Although there are many factors you can’t manage. Factors like “the architecture, materials used to build your house, and the area where you live.”
Humidity in the home is also induced by things you do every day.
Any activity that adds moisture to the air will raise the humidity levels in your home.
The clothes you’re drying in the dryer and the baking obsession. A long shower raises the humidity level in your house. It steams your mirrors and leaves condensation on the walls. [1]
Dangers Of Humidity In Living Space
Humidity levels that are too high are unhealthy…
We can not overstate the importance of humidity to our well-being. A pleasant environment necessitates the best humidity level.
Having too much moisture in your home can cause major issues and even damage your health.
Microorganisms that grow in humid environments. Fungi and mold are of particular concern. They can contribute to allergies and asthma.
Too little humidity isn’t a good thing either.
Low humidity can have a variety of negative consequences. Your skin will become dry, your lips may chap, and your eyes will begin to itch. Dry air can also trigger eye irritation, trouble breathing, and sore sinuses.
This is particularly true in winter, when the outside air is dry. Dry zones are well-known air-conditioned spaces, such as airlines and offices.
Bugs and mold enjoy a humid environment.
In humid environments, bugs flourish. Warm & moist temperatures are ideal for dust mites. Warm means above 77 degrees Fahrenheit or 25 degrees Celsius. Moist means a relative humidity of 70-80% is ideal for dust mites.
When humidity levels fall below 60%, mite populations stop increasing and die out. Air conditioning reduces the ambient temperature and relative humidity.
Mold also thrives in humid environments. Mold can grow more than 50% faster when the relative humidity is greater than 80%.
Use a sealed plastic sleeve or sheet protector to keep your documents mold-free.
Their spores cause the development of asthma and allergies in children.
Moisture is the number one killer of electronics.
Excess moisture can harm not only your health but also your belongings. Condensation can be particularly damaging to electronics. Moisture can corrode internal contacts and reduce insulation resistance, resulting in short circuits.
When bringing in electric appliances from your cold garage or basement don’t be quick to plug them in. Keep an eye out for high humidity and dramatic temperature changes.
Allow cold appliances to adapt to the environment before turning them on. Put electronics and other valuables in closed plastic boxes. Use a small dehumidifying satchel / bag to keep them secure. [2]
Does My House Have More Than Normal Humidity?
Relative humidity is a way of describing how much moisture (or water vapor) is in the air. The recommendation is the indoor relative humidity be between 30 and 50%.
A comfortable temperature range is 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit; which is 20 to 25 degree Celsius. Hot air can contain a more significant amount of water vapor than cold air.
How Can I Tell I Have High Humidity Indoors?
Steps To Determine Indoor Humidity
Trying to determine if you have a humidity problem is not difficult. You don’t even need to bring anyone else in to help you. These are the things you can do:
Humidistat
Invest in an inexpensive humidistat. A humidistat will test your indoor humidity level. This is the best way to know if your home is too humid.
Humidity levels above 70% relative humidity are ideal for the growth of dust mites and mold.
The best indoor humidity level is 30 to 50 percent. Live in comfort in this relative humidity range, at all times.
Mold
Check for mold in rooms with high humidity levels, such as the bathroom and the kitchen. Examine the shower stall or bathtub, the sink area, and the windowsills.
Examine the walls, floors, and space corners as well. If you see small dark spots, even if they are minor, you have a mold problem.
Condensation
If you see drops of water or mist on the glass of your windows, it’s a sign that there’s too much moisture in the room.
Condensation occurs when warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces. Condensation also occurs when there is too much humidity inside.
Condensation is especially common in the winter. Activities like cooking, showering, and drying clothes bring moist air into the house.
If condensation is not addressed, it may promote the growth of mold on walls, ceilings and windows.
Running Leak
Water creeping in from the outside can be a problem in homes. Your basement can be humid if you find watermarks. Accumulated water after or during a rainstorm also signifies humidity.
Mold problems may grow if excess humidity is not handled. Especially in basements and crawl spaces where ventilation is lacking.
Musty Scent
Mildew and mold growth are to blame for the musty odor. Microbial volatile organic compounds are gasses produced by mold (MVOC). Don’t dismiss mold and mildew.
If you don’t see obvious signs of mildew and mold keep checking. Mold can hide behind wallpaper, under carpets, or inside heating and ventilation ducts.
You’re inhaling mold spores if you can detect it. These are poisonous and can cause breathing difficulties. For example, sinus infections, sore throats, and migraines.
The easiest way to get rid of the mold smell is to avoid using air fresheners or scented candles. Scents only mask the odor rather than removing the harmful air.
The most successful approach is to remove the mold.
Water Stains
If you find stains or water damage on your ceiling or walls, consult a professional. He will determine the source of the issue.
Water damage and stains are indicators of water leakage, which can be difficult to detect.
Allergies
When the air has excess humidity, it causes airborne allergens. Such as dust mites and mold spores to grow and spread. Allergic reactions when indoors could be due to excess humidity in the air.
Rotting Wood
When there is too much moisture in the air, wood will hold it and begin to rot. When this happens, termites and other insects may begin to flock to the area. [3]
Reducing Indoor Humidity
Now that you have determined the humidity in your home. Have you looked at the cost of dehumidifiers? Is a dehumidifier an appliance you can afford?
Are you feeling stuck? Well, let me tell you that you don’t have to live like this.
There are alternatives that you can use to help reduce humidity in your home. Here are some of them:
Homemade Dehumidifier Rice
Dried rice has the ability to absorb a lot of moisture until it’s cooked. This makes it a decent food-safe desiccant. You will enjoy the drying benefits of rice without the mess of losing rice grains.
Make breathable pouches for your dried rice. Use these drying pouches in dried goods containers. Also use them in boxes, cabinets, or other spaces that need a little moisture reduction. [5]
Passive Dehumidifier
Passive dehumidification is a process that uses heat pipes to extract humidity. It can remove up to 50% more moisture than a standard air conditioner.
The air passes through a heat pipe filled with cold fluid in the first section of the device. Condensation occurs as the fluid absorbs heat from the air. The water flows to the outside of the house. The heated fluid can be of use later. [6]
Ventilation
Keep your home well ventilated. Ventilate areas where there is a moisture problem. Areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
If necessary, open windows and doors and leave vents or fans on for longer periods of time. This ensures adequate ventilation.
Having adequate ventilation in your home for at least a few hours per day can reduce indoor humidity.
Air Conditioning
When you turn on your air conditioner it cools the atmosphere. Your air conditioner also helps to reduce indoor humidity.
A cool and dry home is important during hot & humid weather.
Charcoal
Charcoal briquettes can help cut humidity and odors from the air. Fill a basket with a low-cost bag of charcoal.
The charcoal will last for about a month and a half. Look for coconut shell charcoal if at all possible. Charcoal has a high adsorption capacity and does not powder during adsorption.
Rock Salt
Rock salt, a hygroscopic substance, is another way to cut indoor humidity. Hygroscopic means that it draws and stores water molecules from its surroundings. Rock salt removes excess moisture from the air.
Take two identical-sized plastic tubs. To elevate the second tub, place an object or rock inside the first tub. Fill the second tub with rock salt after drilling holes in it. Place the second tub within the first one.
There will be some water in the bottom tub in a few days. Check to see if the bottom tub needs emptying on a regular basis.
Alternatives to rock salt, are silica-based kitty litter, zeolite crystals, or calcium chloride.
Replacing Carpets and Rugs
Rugs have a tendency to absorb moisture. Rugs absorb moisture especially when the indoor humidity level is high.
If your rug becomes damp or begins to smell moldy, take it to the dry cleaners for a wash.
Repairing Walls
Moisture may also enter the home through cracks or holes in the walls. During hot & humid weather, moist outside air can seep inside through cracks and holes.
If the inside air is colder than the outside air, this may create condensation on materials. If the water isn’t cleaned up right away, moisture can lead to rotting wood, mold, and mildew.
Check your home’s exterior walls on a regular basis for cracks. Make sure you repair or seal leaks.
Baking Soda
Grab the baking soda if you’re dealing with a humidity-emergency situation. Baking soda is a popular household item fond in the pantry or kitchen cabinet. It makes delicious cupcakes but also absorbs moisture.
Baking soda is inexpensive. Baking soda is useful in small rooms or enclosed spaces.
Baking soda is simple to use. Place some baking soda in a bowl or an open jar. Then set it in a humid space or area to extract moisture from the air. Since the powder clumps as it absorbs moisture, you can stir it around now and then.
Outdoor Drying
Indoor humidity levels when wet clothes hang indoors. Don’t hand wet clothes in rooms with poor ventilation.
Hanging clothes to dry outside is the best way to reduce indoor humidity. For example, in rooms with balconies.
If that isn’t possible use a clothes dryer then use a vent. Or, improve your indoor ventilation by opening windows and using a fan.
Taking Showers
Showers generate a lot of steam, which causes indoor humidity levels to rise. The more time you spend in the shower, the more steam you generate.
After your shower, crack a window open or switch on the exhaust fan for a few minutes. Air changes reduce the excess moisture.
If you can, take cooler showers. Colder showers contain less steam and have less of an effect on humidity. Furthermore, cold showers can be beneficial to your well-being!
Keep Windows Open
Cracking a window open is the simplest way to cut indoor humidity.
Allow for more airflow by keeping the window open.
Open windows in damp areas like the bathroom and kitchen.
Filter Replacement
Clean the furnace and air conditioner filters on a regular basis.
If your furnace or air conditioner filters clog, it slows airflow. Humidity reduction will be less efficient.
Did you know that plants emit moisture vapor into the air? Place your plants outside for some time.
Make sure your plants aren’t over-watered as well.
There are some plants that do absorb the moisture from the air. These are:
- Peace Lily
- Reed’s palm
- Boston fern
- English Ivy
- Orchids
- Spider Plant
- Tillandsia
- Cactus
Final Thoughts
The solution for your humidity problems can be in your kitchen cupboard. Dehumidifiers come in different forms. You can save some money by doing a DIY project.
For more extensive humidity problems a dehumidifier is what you need. A DIY dehumidifier is at least a place to start.
Even if you choose to reduce humidity without a dehumidifier, consider checking out our:
