We have things like the Grand Canyon to prove that, given enough time, water will wear down pretty much anything. That will include your home unless you maintain ideal humidity levels. Moisture leads to mold, deterioration, corrosion, decay, wood-rot, and other issues, so learn about humidity and how to remove indoor moisture from your home.

What Are Things that Contribute to Indoor Humidity?

• Cooking, showering, washing machines, and dryers
• House plants. Plants release vapor into the air and if you have a lot, they can add up.
• Breathing! One person breathing adds approximately a 1/4 cup of water to the air in about an hour.

How to Prevent and Remove Excess Moisture

Don’t worry, you don’t have to hold your breath indoors! Humidity in our home is inescapable, and we need a certain level to be comfortable. The trick is to keep the relative humidity of your home in the comfortable range, usually 50-60%. If you’re noticing foggy windows, a musty smell, or that you’ve become lethargic and forgetful (yes, humidity can affect your mood), then your humidity is probably too high. Use these tactics to prevent or remove excess moisture from your home.

• Ventilate. Air circulation that allows moisture to escape is important. Use fans and vents, especially in the rooms that produce the most moisture, i.e. the kitchen and bathroom.
• Every so often, take your house plants outside. They’ll get more sun, you’ll get exercise, and your house will get a break from their vapor output. Also, be careful not to overwater.
• Get a dehumidifier.
• Waterproof any concrete walls, from the inside if waterproofing from the outside is not possible. Basement walls made of concrete can suck in moisture from the surrounding dirt, so keep an eye out for dampness, efflorescence, or other warning signs.
• Inspect the roof yearly to ensure all shingles are intact and there are no leaks.
• Regularly clean out gutters. Clogged gutters can force water inside the home.

Remove Indoor Moisture For a Comfy Home

No one wants to suffer in too-dry air or, on the other hand, swelter in thick swampy air. Having the right humidity in your home helps both you and your belongings. Use these tips for removing indoor moisture to keep your home’s humidity in the sweet spot.