how to reduce humidity in a room naturally

Learning how to reduce humidity in a room naturally can help make the indoors more comfortable and healthier.

Humidity is the percentage of atmospheric water vapor.

High humidity can make a room unpleasant to be in and can promote the growth of mold and mildew.

However, the good thing is that you can try many ways to bring those humidity levels down and without a comfortable range.

So, how to naturally reduce humidity in a room?

You can reduce humidity through proper ventilation, using absorbent materials, optimizing heating/cooling, using plants, and so on. 

How to Reduce Humidity in a Room Naturally

natural ways to decrease room humidity

The key to a pleasant indoor climate is keeping humidity between 40 and 50 percent.

It is possible to lower the humidity in a space without using any artificial means, saving money and cutting down on energy usage.

Here is what you need to know about the different natural ways to reduce humidity:

Pay Attention to Proper Ventilation

Taking care to ensure adequate ventilation has several positive effects on the indoor environment.

It helps lessen allergens in the air that might set off asthma and allergy attacks, such as mold spores, dust mites, and pollen.

But, besides managing humidity levels, proper ventilation offers other benefits as well.

For instance: 

Reduced Energy Consumption

reduced energy consumption

Improving ventilation also helps reduce energy consumption.

Less effort is required from air conditioning systems when warm, humid air is not present

Reduced Condensation

Condensation on windows and walls due to high humidity can also create costly structural damage and maintenance needs.

Good ventilation procedures reduce the likelihood of this happening. 

Improved Oxygen Levels

improved oxygen levels

In addition, having enough oxygen in the air can improve your ability to think clearly and get things done.   

An Important Consideration

Vents, ducts, and filters need regular maintenance and cleaning to function properly.

This keeps fresh air from becoming stagnant by preventing the buildup of dust and other airborne impurities.

Overall, a healthier, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient home or workplace is the result of careful attention to ventilation.

Fact: Sick building syndrome refers to the occurrence of numerous health problems among building residents as a result of subpar air quality, and better ventilation can mitigate this problem. 

Make Use of Absorbent Materials to Reduce Humidity in a Room

use absorbents to reduce room humidity

Using absorbent materials to lower humidity is a quick and cheap approach to making a home more pleasant.

Here are a few options to consider in this regard: 

Silica Gel

Silica gel, a popular desiccant, is a remarkable material since it can absorb water at a rate of up to 40% of its weight.

And it can also regenerate and release water vapors once heated. 

Calcium Chloride

calcium chloride

Calcium chloride can soak up water more than twice its weight and is another potent moisture-absorbing material.

It’s a frequent ingredient in moisture-absorbing bags, which are great for damp areas like closets and basements. 

Charcoal

Charcoal briquettes are an environmentally beneficial choice for dehumidification.

Because of their porous composition, they are effective natural air purifiers that remove hazardous pollutants and eliminate disagreeable aromas.

Fact: Bamboo charcoal's remarkable absorption capacity and eco-friendliness have contributed to its rise in popularity as a sustainable alternative. 

Utilize Plants to Reduce Humidity in a Room

plants for reducing room humidity

Plants are a beautiful and natural way to lower the humidity in a room.

The removal of pollutants and the release of oxygen by these plants makes for healthier air and makes it easier to maintain a pleasant relative humidity

Bringing elements of nature inside can also have a positive effect on your mental health and stress levels.

Here are some of the plants you can consider keeping in your room: 

The Peace Lily

the peace lily

Spathiphyllum, more often known as the peace lily, is an intriguing option due to its ability to flourish in low light.

It is well-documented that it may eliminate formaldehyde and benzene, two typical contaminants found in residential and commercial buildings respectively. 

The Spider Plant

The spider plant, or Chlorophytum comosum, can survive with very little attention and thrive in a variety of environments.

It can effectively reduce formaldehyde and xylene, two common VOCs, from the air, creating a healthier indoor atmosphere. 

Optimize Heating and Cooling to Reduce Humidity

Improving the efficiency of HVAC systems is essential for controlling humidity and keeping buildings at a suitable temperature.

Proper maintenance of these systems is vital because it also leads to other benefits, such as:

  • Better humidity control
  • Energy savings
  • System longevity 
optimize heating and cooling to reduce humidity

Air conditioners serve a dual purpose in regulating both temperature and humidity since they remove moisture from the air as they cool it.

If one is available, using the dehumidifier setting will help expedite the drying process. 

An Important Consideration

Never overlook the importance of routinely replacing filters.

Filters that aren’t clean can hinder the performance of the system, trap allergies and mold, and even lower the quality of the air within the house.

Fact: Filter replacement every three to four months can reduce energy consumption and save up to 15 percent of energy. 

Avoid Over-Watering Plants to Lower Humidity

If you don’t pay attention to how much water your plants actually require, you could end up accidentally contributing to higher-than-desired humidity levels in your room.

Avoiding over-watering helps in many ways.

avoid over-watering plants to lower humidity

For instance, it helps:

  • Keep the house at a reasonable temperature
  • Promote robust plant growth
  • Stop the development of mold, mildew, and root rot

Here, it is important to learn about how plant species, pot size, soil type, and interior environment may all affect a plant’s water needs.

Learning how often and how much to water your plants will help you get optimal results. 

An Important Consideration

Investing in moisture meters, which detect the soil’s moisture level can help you avoid over-watering.

Succulents and cacti, which are particularly sensitive to water conditions, benefit greatly from their use. 

Additional Ways to Reduce Humidity in a Room Naturally?

natural methods for decreasing room humidity

Besides trying some basic ways, you can always use many other tricks to significantly lower humidity levels in your room and home as a whole. 

Make Use of Fans

Whether from the ceiling or a portable fan, improved air circulation using a fan is key to lowering humidity levels.

A fan can draw hot, muggy air outside while drawing in fresh air.

Mold and mildew are less likely to grow because of the constant airflow, which helps prevent moisture from accumulating on surfaces.

Fact: It is always a good idea to position fans near open windows to improve their efficiency.  

Dry Clothes Outside

dry clothes outside

Drying clothing indoors on a line causes water to evaporate and humidify the air.

Hang your laundry outside or on a well-ventilated surface like a porch or covered balcony to avoid this. 

Stop Boiling Water Often

Prevent condensation by using lids and reducing the amount of time spent boiling water.

Use lids on pots and pans to trap steam and reduce moisture release during cooking. 

Correct Pipe Leaks

correct pipe leaks

Pipe leaks and condensation can contribute to elevated indoor humidity levels.

If you don’t want mold and mildew to take over your home, make sure to check for leaks on a regular basis and fix them right away.   

Choose Smart Humidity Solutions

Invest in smart humidity solutions, such as humidity sensors and smart thermostats, to keep your house at a comfortable level of humidity.   

Use Natural Air Fresheners

use natural air fresheners

Scented candles and aerosol sprays are two examples of air fresheners that can add moisture to the air and so raise humidity levels.

Choose non-chemical options like essential oil diffusers or potpourri that won’t drastically affect the relative humidity of the space. 

Store Firewood Outside

Firewood can absorb and release moisture into the air, so it’s best to keep it outside.

Keep firewood outside or in a ventilated shed or garage to avoid this problem.

Keep it dry and pest-free by covering it and keeping it off the ground. 

Make the Switch to Energy-Savvy Home Appliances

switch to energy-savvy home appliances

In addition to lowering your energy bill, energy-efficient appliances can also lower the humidity in your home.

For instance, energy-efficient washing machines and dishwashers reduce humidity in the air by using less water and typically having shorter drying cycles. 

Takeaway

Learning how to reduce humidity in a room naturally can save you from a lot of trouble.

High humidity is not desirable, as it can lead to several health issues.

The growth of mold and mildew is the most common issue, but you may also develop allergies and be at an increased risk of viral and bacterial infection.

Thankfully, lowering humidity is often as simple as improving ventilation, using fans, going with specific plants, avoiding over-watering, and optimizing HVAC systems.