11 Best Tips on How to Reduce Humidity in House

Condensation on windows. Uncomfortably damp air. A lingering mustiness that refuses to leave. All of these are telltale signs that moisture levels in your home are too high.

Unfortunately, excess moisture isn't just a minor inconvenience. It's a silent saboteur. It can actually cause serious issues that can affect both your health and your home's structural soundness. However, there are plenty of potent methods you can rely on to control indoor humidity, which we'll discuss in detail below. Therefore, if you want to discover how to reduce humidity in house, read on!

Key Takeaways

• Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, run a dehumidifier in damp-prone areas like basements, and improve air circulation to keep moisture levels in check.
• Promptly repair plumbing leaks, inspect your roof and gutters, and use moisture absorbers like baking soda or silica gel in problem areas to prevent excess humidity.
• Poor insulation in walls, floors, and ceilings creates cold spots where condensation can form. Make sure to insulate your home properly—including the attic, basement, and crawl spaces—to prevent moisture accumulation.
• Windows that are outdated, drafty, or poorly insulated can lead to condensation and moisture problems. Inspect them for damage and consider upgrading to energy-efficient, well-sealed windows to help control indoor humidity.

Ideal Indoor Humidity Levels

Not too damp. Not too dry. The perfect indoor humidity falls between 30% and 50%, although sometimes you may have to go lower than this. Indoor humidity levels can vary based on what temperature is outside. For example, it is generally recommended to have 30% relative humidity indoors when it's +10°F outside. It is best to lower indoor relative humidity as outdoor temperatures drop as well.

But why is it so important to keep indoor humidity within an ideal range?

Excessive moisture in the air encourages condensation on surfaces. This can lead to gradual structural deterioration like peeling paint and warped wood. High humidity can also lead to mold growth. Mold not only causes unsightly stains and mildewy odors but can also release spores that trigger respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. For example, people with asthma or compromised immune systems may be particularly sensitive to these airborne irritants.

How to Reduce Humidity in House

Once you understand humidity’s impact, the next step is implementing practical, consistent solutions. Keep in mind that sporadic fixes won’t suffice! A single dehumidifier session won’t eliminate moisture permanently. Given that humidity accumulates stealthily, daily efforts are crucial.

Below are 11 methods to restore balance to your home’s air. Keeping in mind that a comprehensive approach works best!

1. Use a Dehumidifier

A relentless extractor of excess moisture - the dehumidifier! It does wonders in spaces with high humidity. Two main types exist: portable models and whole-house systems connected to your HVAC unit. Choose the model that fits your needs, preferences, and budget.

Dehumidifiers are particularly useful in spaces like the basement or the attic. They can also be incredibly helpful if you need to dry laundry indoors, especially since many units have a special laundry drying mode.

Moreover, a high-quality dehumidifier also purifies the air and reduces allergens to help you create a healthier and more comfortable living space.

2. Optimize Ventilation with Exhaust Fans

Have you ever noticed that your bathroom mirror fogs up while you're taking a hot shower? This condensation forms because the warm, moist air from the shower touches the cooler surface of the mirror. The same thing happens when you're cooking, except that condensation forms on other cooler surfaces, such as windows or walls. This is why it's extremely important to have high-quality exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom and use them every time you're taking a shower or cooking.

A well-installed exhaust fan should run throughout your shower and for at least 20 minutes afterward. The same applies to kitchen fans—keep them running while cooking and for another 20-30 minutes post-meal prep.

Don't forget that improperly vented fans can backfire. Some direct humid air into attic spaces rather than outdoors, trapping moisture in that space, which negates the benefits of using the fans in the first place. Mold will start growing, the attic will get damaged, and the entire house will suffer the consequences.

3. Check Your Windows and Doors For Damage

Windows and doors play a big role in controlling indoor humidity. If they have leaks and cracks, are poorly insulated, or have only one glass pane, condensation will form instantly on them during the winter. Why? Because the glass surface is colder. This causes the water vapor in the warm, humid indoor air to condense upon contact. This condensation can cause mold growth and water damage over time.

In summer, moist outdoor air can enter through gaps and cracks around windows and doors, making it much more difficult to keep indoor humidity low.

This is why it's of the essence to regularly inspect windows and doors for damage. You'll likely have to replace them if:

• They have only one glass pane.
• They are more than 20 years old.
• Their frame is severely damaged.
• There's condensation between panes.

Otherwise, you'll keep struggling with high indoor humidity, and, above that, you'll spend much more on energy bills year-round.

4. Fix Any Leaks Promptly

Leaks are a common source of excess humidity in many homes. And the thing is - leaks often cause the most severe damage. Why so? Because they can lead to extensive mold growth in no time. And this affects the structural integrity of a house. Therefore, it's important to fix any leaks as soon as you notice them. Or even better - schedule regular inspections of your home’s plumbing system and roof to catch any issues early and completely prevent further damage.

During these inspections, look for signs such as wet spots, peeling paint, and water stains, which can indicate leaking pipes. If you do not notice any problems yourself, if there's a musty odor inside your house, and if you've tried other methods to remove excess moisture, but the problem persists, there's likely a hidden leak that requires professional inspection.

5. Enhance Air Circulation

Without regular air movement, indoor air can become stagnant. This can also cause high humidity levels and increase the risk of mold growth. The best thing you can do to ensure proper ventilation? Open your windows! You can open them in the morning and in the evening, for instance, to let fresh air in. You can also use ceiling fans. They can increase air circulation and help distribute air evenly throughout your home.

Moreover, you can arrange furniture strategically in your house. For instance, you can place furniture away from walls. This can also improve airflow and prevent moisture buildup in hidden wall corners. Furthermore, if you have heavy curtains, make sure to open and close them several times a day. Otherwise, moisture can accumulate in the space between the curtains and the windows.

6. Use Air Conditioning

A well-functioning AC doesn’t just cool your space, It actively removes moisture from the air. It does so by cooling the air. Why does it work? When the warm air passes over the air conditioner's evaporator coil, indoor humidity lowers. Moreover, warmer air holds more moisture than cooler air. So, the higher the temperature, the higher the relative humidity. This is why having lower indoor temperatures can reduce humidity.

However, this method only works during the summer. You probably wouldn't want your home to get colder when it's freezing cold outside, right? Moreover, keep in mind that air conditioners are primarily designed to cool the house, not dehumidify it. They won't work as well as dedicated dehumidifiers. For example, in some cases, the AC may cool the air too quickly without running long enough to remove sufficient moisture.

7. Simple DIY Moisture Absorbers

If you’re looking for cost-effective humidity control methods, there are indeed some things you can use (which you probably already have at home). However, keep in mind that these solutions won't solve severe humidity issues. You'll still have to use other methods mentioned in this list to ensure humidity levels are within the recommended range.

One simple method is to place a bowl of baking soda in areas where you need to lower humidity. Once it hardens (which means it has absorbed moisture), replace it with fresh baking soda.

You can also use charcoal briquettes, although they work best in small spaces. Just remember to replace them every 2-3 months for continued effectiveness.

Another excellent option is silica gel, which is a great moisture absorbent. You'll have to place some silica gel packets in a jar. Then, use a screwdriver to make holes in the lid and let the silica gel do its work. Nonetheless, remember that silica gel may be toxic to animals, so make sure your pets don't have access to it.

8. Use Plants that Absorb Moisture

Plants are absolutely amazing for improving indoor air quality! However, many of them are natural humidifiers, so they can release moisture and actually make things worse if you're dealing with high humidity indoors.

For example, rubber plants, jade plants, Acreca plants, Boston fern, peace lily, and corn plan are known to increase humidity levels. So, you can replace them with cacti, succulents, aloe vera, or euphorbia plants.

Moreover, avoid storing firewood in your house or basement, as this can also cause excessive moisture indoors.

9. Maintain Your Gutters and Downspouts

It's of the essence to also take care of exterior water control in order to reduce indoor humidity. For instance, if your gutters are clogged or damaged, rainwater can overflow and seep into your home's foundation. This moisture can raise indoor moisture and create a breeding ground for mold. So, clean your gutters regularly and make sure the downspouts direct water at least 6 feet away from your home.

Moreover, if you have a window well around your basement window, ensure that it is connected to a drainage system or is properly covered with a window well plastic cover that prevents water accumulation. It's also important to check if the water drains properly; otherwise, it can damage your basement window and, over time, the water will seep through the window into your basement.

10. Use Waterproofing Paint in High-Humidity Areas

You can apply waterproofing or mold-resistant paint to walls and ceilings in bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms, for example, which are more prone to condensation.

These specialized paints create a water-resistant barrier that stops moisture from seeping into drywall or plaster. For the best results, ensure that the surface is completely dry and clean before applying the paint. Plus, if there's any mold on that surface, clean it before applying the paint.

11. Seal and Insulate Your Home Properly

Improperly sealed windows aren't the only ones that can exacerbate indoor humidity issues. The energy efficiency of your entire house plays a crucial role in this.

Poorly insulated walls, ceilings, and floors can create cold spots where warm indoor air condenses and leads to mold growth. In other words, just as condensation forms on poorly insulated windows, it can form on walls or uninsulated floors. Over time, this trapped moisture can seep into building materials and damage them.

Therefore, make sure your basement, attic, and any crawl spaces are insulated properly.

Final Thoughts

If you want to keep indoor humidity under control, it's of utmost importance to use a comprehensive approach. For example, you can ventilate your house properly, use a dehumidifier daily, and ensure your home is well-insulated. Otherwise, your efforts may be futile.

For example, even if you ventilate your house properly, condensation will still form on your windows if they're single-pane, outdated, or poorly sealed. This can lead to moisture buildup and energy loss year-round.

If you suspect that poorly insulated windows are contributing to high humidity in your home, Magic is here to help! Our specialists can assess your current windows and recommend the best solution to ensure your home stays dry and comfortable—no more moisture issues caused by faulty windows!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I reduce humidity in my house fast?

You can reduce humidity in your house fast by using a high-quality dehumidifier. Just make sure it can cover the entire area with high humidity. You may need several dehumidifiers if your house is large.

What causes high humidity in a house?

High humidity in the house can be caused by everyday activities, like showering, cooking, or drying laundry inside, improper ventilation, damaged or poorly insulated windows and doors, water leaks in the building, or the region's climate.

How can I dehumidify my house naturally?

You can dehumidify your house naturally by using plants like cacti or succulents that remove excess moisture. You can also use baking soda or charcoal briquettes, as they are known to reduce humidity. Plus, make sure to ventilate your house properly. However, if the humidity levels are high because of a water leak or improper house insulation, these methods won't solve the problem.

How to reduce humidity in a room without a dehumidifier?

You can reduce humidity in a room without a dehumidifier by ventilating it properly, turning on the air conditioner (if you have one), buying moisture-absorbent plants, or using baking soda or desiccants to remove excessive moisture.

Will mold grow at 55% humidity?

Mold can grow at 55% humidity but typically thrives when humidity levels are above 60%.