Several summers ago the humidity level in my home got uncomfortably high. So I began researching and found lots of natural methods you can use to remove excess moisture from your home.
These can range from changing your habits or taking on some DIY work to stop moisture at the source.
In this guide, I’ll share what worked for me and give you 6 of the best options for regulating your indoor humidity levels without a dehumidifier.
6 Ways to Reduce Humidity Naturally
1. Improve The Ventilation
The quickest way to reduce the relative humidity levels in your home is to improve the ventilation and I was surprised by how quickly this had an impact.
The improved air circulation allows fresh air to flow freely in your home and stops warm air from lingering and causing uncomfortable humid conditions.
The most basic way to improve ventilation is to open your windows and doors so there’s air flow throughout your home. However, if you live in an area with humid weather this may just be letting moist air into your home.
In this case, it’s better to use an air conditioning system or ventilation fans to reduce humidity in your home.
2. Fix Leaks
Fixing indoor water leaks isn’t going to absorb moisture from the air, but it is a long-term solution to control humidity levels in your home.
Humidity is caused when moisture mixes with the air in your home, so a leaky pipe or cracks in windows, walls, or doors, can all lead to too much humidity in your home.
To get to the heart of the problem, I checked every room in my home and found a leaky tap in my bathroom. This only took me half an hour to fix, and the humidity levels have been noticeably lower since.
Check the areas of your home with the most humid air and see if you can identify any leaks. Most of these are easy to fix, but if you do find a major plumbing issue, then you may need a professional to help.
3. Keep Your Home Dry
It isn’t just outdoor air that can lead to excess humidity, it’s damp conditions inside which can increase the amount of water vapor in the air too. Wipe down surfaces and remove moisture as much as possible from your home.
Wash and dry wet mats and towels, and hang your laundry up outside (or use a dryer). This will remove the sources of moisture and reduce indoor humidity in your home.
4. Take Colder Showers
I love long, hot showers, but it was creating a lot of moisture and condensation in my home. In fact, showers and baths are one of the leading causes of high humidity, especially if there’s no proper ventilation in your bathroom.
By reducing the temperature by just a few degrees I was able to get lower humidity in my home and less condensation in my home. This should have a positive impact on the humidity levels in your home too, though it may also be worth investing in a bathroom air conditioning system.
5. Use Baking Soda (or other desiccants)
Certain materials, like baking soda, are hygroscopic materials which means they will actually absorb moisture from your indoor air and remove excess humidity.
If you leave a bowl of baking soda in an area of high humidity then it should pull moisture from the air. Over time, you’ll notice that it starts to solidify as it absorbs moisture.
I get a lot of deliveries so I keep all the silica gel packets from the packaging to use as desiccants, but you can also use rock salt or charcoal as these are also hygroscopic materials.
They won’t be as effective as a dehumidifier but they work well in a small space.
6. Move Plants Outside
Plants can really improve your indoor space and act as a natural air conditioner, but they can also contribute to high humidity.
Water travels up through the roots, stem, and leaves through a process called transpiration, and can then be released into the air. If you notice high humidity in the rooms you have indoor plants in then it’s a good idea to move them outside.
However, some plants that thrive in tropical conditions can actually reduce the humidity in your home by taking water from the air. If you get any of these house plants then they will work as a natural dehumidifier:
- Peace Lilly
- Cactus
- Orchids
- Spider Plant
- Palms
- Boston Ferns
- Tillandsia
- English Ivy
What Makes Indoor Humidity Become High?
Humidity inside is caused by moisture in the air. It can come from the climate and conditions, bad insulation, ventilation, and fixtures (such as the shower). You’ll want to correct the main issue in your home to prevent more moisture build-up in the future.
There are severe problems that come with a lot of moisture. Luckily, it’s very cheap to fix many of these problems. Keep reading to find out all the best ways to reduce humidity in the home without a dehumidifier.
Importance of Controlling Humidity at Home
Here are the main reasons you should look to control your indoor humidity:
- Comfort
Humid conditions make us feel awful. This is because there’s so much excess moisture in the air that your sweat can’t evaporate. That leads to the “sticky” feeling we all hate and makes it impossible to cool ourselves down. Reducing humidity levels in the indoor air will make you feel more comfortable. - Health
High humidity can impact your health and your family’s health. It irritates my skin and can sometimes set off my son’s asthma. Controlling the humidity level prevents skin from becoming dry and cracking, and also makes the air safer to breathe because there are fewer mold spores or dust mites. This helps to stop asthma triggers and will protect your overall health. - Prevent Static Electricity and IT Equipment Failure
I work from home so I am really reliant on my laptop. Unfortunately, humid air can make its way into a computer or other electronic equipment and cause a lot of issues! Plus, you’re more likely to shock someone after walking on the carpet. Likewise, you may shock yourself when you grab a door handle or other metal object. - Lower Energy Bills
If you’re receiving high electric bills after a humid month, the moisture in the air could be what’s to blame. Energy loss frequently happens when there’s a lot of water in the air to deal with, especially if you have an air conditioning system that has to work harder to compensate. - Prevent Damage To Your Home
Humidity can cause wood to warp, paint to peel, and mold growth. All of these issues can damage various materials in the house and lead to structural harm.
FAQs
What absorbs humidity naturally?
Baking soda, charcoal, and rock salt will all absorb humidity naturally. This makes them a simple and cost-effective natural alternative to a dehumidifier.
Do fans lower the humidity?
Yes, fans and air conditioning systems are great for reducing humidity levels. The moving air evaporates the humidity or sends it outside. Plus, the fan will allow sweat to evaporate too- making you feel cooler.
Conclusion
The best way to remove humidity is to use a dehumidifier, but there are other simple solutions too.
If there’s one thing I would recommend, it’s improving your ventilation. By opening up windows and installing a few standing fans, I was able to reduce the humidity levels and make my home much more comfortable in under an hour.
It’s also worth exploring the cause of the problem and fixing any leaky pipes, faucets, or showers.
Hopefully, this guide has given you some useful tips and you now know how to control the moisture levels in your home without a dehumidifier.
