The best way to reducing humidity indoors is with a dehumidifier. However, if you do not own a dehumidifier or the humidity problem is mild, below are some hacks you can use to dehumidify your home.
These methods are fairly easy and use equipment you would already have at home.
Ventilate Your Room
Keep your home ventilated, especially in areas that usually create moisture such as your kitchen and the bathroom. Open windows and doors if possible and keep vents or fans on for longer to ensure sufficient ventilation. Having proper ventilation in your home for at least a few hours a day can greatly help to reduce indoor humidity.
Make sure extractor fans are switched on when showering and cooking and leave on for 20 to 30 minutes after you've finished.
Check that your extractor fans are 'flumed / ducted' through the ceiling cavity and release the hot humid air into the outside environment. In many older properties they only go into the ceiling cavity which may then develop an eco system ideal for mould to thrive....
A Basket Of Charcoal Briquettes
Charcoal briquettes can help remove humidity and even odours from the air, thanks to their adsorption properties. Buy a cheap bag of charcoal and fill it in a basket. The charcoal will last for 2-3 months. If possible, look for coconut shell charcoal. This charcoal has high adsorptive power and resists powdering in adsorption – a very important factor.
Rock Salt
Another solution on how to reduce indoor humidity without a dehumidifier is using rock salt, a hygroscopic material. This means that it draws and stores water molecules from its surrounding environment, pulling excess moisture out of the air similar to a dehumidifier.
Take two plastic tubs of the same size. Put an object inside the first tub to elevate the second tub. Drill holes in the second tub and fill it with rock salt. Place the second tub and put it in the first tub. In a few days there will be some water in the bottom tub. Check the bottom tub daily to empty the water.
You may also use silica-based kitty litter, zeolite rocks and well as calcium chloride as substitute to rock salt.
Air Conditioning
Turning on your air conditioning not only cools down the room, it will also help reduce indoor humidity especially during humid weather.
Fans
Fans are excellent at moving warm stale air around in the room. A fan will increase the air flow in the room that will remove excess moisture through evaporation. Many people open windows (which is great) however if there is no breeze turning on a fan as well is ideal.
Replace Furnace / AC Filters
Clean your furnace and AC filters units regularly. If your furnace or AC filters are clogged, they will slow down air flow and won’t be as efficient in reducing humidity.
Take Shorter Or Colder Showers
Showers produce a lot of excess steam that will increase humidity indoors. The longer you shower, the more steam is produced. To reduce the excess moisture, crack a window open or leave the exhaust fan on a little longer after your shower. Alternatively, take colder showers if you can – they produce less steam and has less effect on humidity. Moreover, cold showers can be good for your health!
Line Dry Clothes Outdoors
Hanging wet clothes indoors will increase indoor humidity levels, especially in rooms where ventilation is bad. The best option to reduce indoor humidity is to hang clothes to dry outdoors, especially during humid seasons. If that is not an option (such as in apartments with no balconies), then use a clothes dryer that is vented to the outdoors.
Crack A Window Open
The easiest trick to reduce indoor humidity is to crack a window open! Create more airflow by leaving the window open to dry the air out especially in damp rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen.
Place Houseplants Outside
Did you know plants release moisture vapour into the air? Temporarily place your plants outdoors. Also make sure to not over-water your plants.
Use Your Kitchen Exhaust Fans
Oven and stove-top cooking produce moisture in the air. While cooking, try your best to cover your food to keep steam inside and turn up the kitchen exhaust fans.
Replacing Your Rug
Rugs have a tendency to collect moisture especially when humidity levels are high indoors. If you notice your rug getting damp or smelling mouldy, send it to the dry cleaners to get cleaned.
Repairing Your Walls
Walls that have cracks or holes can also introduce moisture indoors. Warm, moist outside air can travel indoors through cracks and holes during warm, humid weather. This can cause condensation on materials indoors if they are cooler than outside air. If that condensation is not wiped up quickly, it can cause issues such as rotting wood, mould and mildew. Regularly check your home’s external walls to ensure there are no cracks and fix them properly.
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