How to reduce humidity at home: important tips to improve your health

Excessive indoor humidity not only threatens the interior and household appliances but also negatively affects human health. Fortunately, there are proven methods of dealing with this problem without extra costs. SSPDaily will share useful information about the unexpected causes of this problem, as well as the risks associated with it and effective remedies.

Causes of high humidity

Not all households are equipped with hoods or air conditioners in bathrooms and kitchens, making it difficult to ventilate properly. Another common cause is inadequate wall insulation, especially noticeable in high-rise buildings, where external wall insulation may need attention due to high humidity.

Risks

Maintaining a relative humidity of 40-60% is generally considered normal, with slight fluctuations between seasons. For example, in winter, the recommended range is 30-45%, and in summer, 30-60%. If the humidity exceeds these levels, action must be taken as the consequences can be detrimental to both your health and your home.

Negative effects of high humidity

Living in a constantly humid environment with foggy windows, poor ventilation, and mold can lead to respiratory illnesses, regular respiratory problems, and even allergies. In addition, household appliances are not immune to the effects of excessive humidity, as it can damage electrical appliances, rendering them inoperable. Water damage, swelling of wallpaper, and the growth of unsightly black mold further degrade the overall condition and aesthetics of your home.

How to deal with humidity in your home

Start by reducing humidity with simple steps such as wiping condensation from pipes and calling a plumber if necessary. Sometimes, excessive humidity can be caused by leaks or the need to replace certain pipelines.

Effective folk remedies for reducing humidity

• Laundry soap solution

Boil a mixture of 500 g of laundry soap in 5 liters of water. Let it cool down and treat the problem areas with the solution several times.

• Treatment with peroxide

Spray the area with pharmacy peroxide. After drying, rinse off the product and dry the area thoroughly. Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer or a blower.

• Vinegar solution

Apply vinegar to the moldy areas and leave for an hour, then rinse with water. Ensure adequate ventilation during this process due to the strong odor of vinegar. Repeat this procedure after a week.

Maintaining low humidity in a private home

High humidity is also a problem in private homes, where it can be caused by design flaws, poor ventilation, an outdated heating system, or cooking without a kitchen hood.

Here's how you can reduce humidity in a private home:

• Fix basement problems

Check your basement, as it is often a major source of humidity-related problems. Remove any standing water, fix any leaks, and consult with professionals if groundwater is an ongoing problem. Proper ventilation or the use of dehumidifiers may be necessary.

• Seal cracks and crevices

Identify and promptly seal any cracks in the foundation to prevent moisture from building up. In addition, check windows for gaps that can be filled with construction foam or silicone.

• Install a range hood

While this may require an initial outlay, it will prove to be worth it in the long run. In addition, regular ventilation for 30-60 minutes every day will significantly reduce excess moisture in your home.