Removing humidity at home is something that we must do both for aesthetic and health reasons. On the one hand, this can predispose to suffer or trigger outbreaks of allergies.
And likewise, nothing is more discouraging than a stain ruining your walls. Therefore, humidity is a real problem for many homes, especially those in areas whose climatic conditions make them more prone to ravages.
Fortunately, there are some simple tricks to remove moisture at home. We tell you so you get rid of it and avoid its consequences. Take note!
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What does a high humidity level mean?
High humidity affects not only people who suffer from nasal congestion and other ailments but also pets and even our property: books, wooden furniture, and clothing, among others, objects deteriorate due to this problem.
Now, what is considered a high humidity level? According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, an indoor humidity percentage of more than 60% is considered high.
On the other hand, the survival of airborne viruses is minimized in environments between 40 and 60% humidity. Similarly, mites and fungi are reduced when it is below 50%.
Consequences of not removing humidity at home
Humidity at home can cause different problems. Here are some of them:
- Mites
- Bad smell
- bacteria and fungi
- Mold on walls and corners
- Deterioration of furniture and various objects
In addition to creating a wrong impression on the eye, they pose a health problem. And those who suffer the most are allergic people or those who suffer from respiratory diseases.
Tricks to remove moisture at home
1. Ventilation
This is our primary recommendation if you want to remove humidity at home. You should always maintain proper ventilation in the environment. And even more so, this should be done in those areas where you may have moisture problems.
Air conditioning can help you where there is not much natural ventilation. However, please do not abuse it. The air we breathe is always necessary to be somewhat humid to prevent lung diseases.
2. Identify sources of moisture
If you find an area of your house where the humidity is too high, you should look for the cause of this problem and eliminate it, either personally or by calling the plumber.
In general, broken pipes or water leaks in places that are not visible are reflected on the walls, which gradually begin to stain.
You should bear in mind that if you do not solve these leaks immediately, you will have a problem not only removing the humidity at home: the situation could worsen until it causes flooding.
3. Use a dehumidifier
This appliance is ideal for removing humidity at home, especially in rainy or cold regions, where the problem often occurs, since there is no possibility of permanent ventilation as in other areas. Therefore, if you have a humidity problem, you can resort to a dehumidifier that absorbs and drains in a simple way.
4. Remove moisture with salt
Salt is one of the elements with the most excellent absorption capacity. In addition to being very useful for removing water at home, it can also be used to remove stains on clothes.
You will need a flat container and a kilo of coarse salt to apply this solution. Put the salt in a container, a corner, or a hallway, and it will absorb much moisture after a day.
When you notice that the salt is very wet or even if it has turned black, it is time to renew it.
5. Treatment with bicarbonate
This is another homemade and inexpensive alternative to remove moisture and the smell and stains it produces. In addition, it helps fight fungus.
It is straightforward to prepare and apply:
- Add a large spoonful of baking soda to a liter of water.
- Shake to dissolve well.
- Scrape the affected wall with a putty knife.
- You can apply the mixture with a sprayer.
- Use a brush to distribute and penetrate better.
- Blot excess with a cloth.
- Let it dry for a couple of hours.
Another option is to put some baking soda in an uncovered container and leave it inside the cupboards where there is suspected moisture.
6. Borax Treatment
Borax treatment is similar to that described with bicarbonate. A tablespoon of sodium borate (also called) is diluted in water and sprayed on the affected areas after scraping off the moisture.
This is an excellent solution against mold. However, since borax is a more delicate product, some precautionary measures must be taken. Among these, we have:
- Avoid contact with skin and mucosa;
- Put on gloves and glasses;
- Do not apply in areas where children pass.
7. Treatment with white vinegar
It serves both for cleaning and to combat mold and moisture. It is also excellent for eliminating the smell of humidity inside the cabinets.
It is used in a similar way to the previous two:
- Mix one cup of white vinegar and one cup of water (if more is needed, keep the proportion).
- The mixture is placed in a sprayer and applied directly to damp spots.
- Then it is left to air.
- It can be repeated; if the stain is difficult, use undiluted vinegar.
8. Prevents more moisture from accumulating
In addition to the abovementioned recommendations to remove humidity at home, preventing it from accumulating more is also essential. How to achieve it? With these simple tips:
- When you cook, turn on the exhaust fan.
- The heating should never exceed 20°C since this favors the appearance of humidity in walls and environments.
- When you wash, hang the clothes outside to dry. If you leave it inside, its humidity will be transmitted to the rest of the room.
- Do not accumulate too many plants in the same environment. This favors the production and conservation of vapor, which specific elements give off.
- Bathrooms are places where moisture accumulates. Dry the floor well after showering, and place an extractor fan if necessary.
A moisture-free environment is possible.
Finally, remember that you must also consider aspects such as natural lighting and air currents in the home. Windows and doors should be positioned to allow sunlight to enter. Likewise, you can also think about moving the furniture to allow air to circulate through your house.