Too dry indoor air can quickly lead to complaints such as dry skin, a tickly throat, or creaking woodwork. A humidifier is a logical solution, but not everyone wants to buy an extra appliance or has space for one. Fortunately, you can also help maintain humidity without a humidifier.
Use houseplants
Plants continuously release a small amount of moisture into the air through their leaves, a process called transpiration. The more plants you place, the greater the effect. Plants with large leaves, such as the areca palm or the peace lily, release a relatively large amount of moisture.
Let water evaporate
Placing a tray or bowl of water somewhere in the house, for example on the windowsill or near the heater, allows water to slowly evaporate. The effect per tray is limited, but with several bowls around the house you will still notice a difference. The larger the water surface, the faster it evaporates.
Dry laundry indoors
Drying laundry indoors on a rack with enough space around it adds a significant amount of moisture to the air. Make sure there is sufficient ventilation, otherwise you run the risk of a musty smell or, with a persistent lack of air circulation, mold.
Cook and shower differently
If you regularly cook with the lid on the pan, more steam will escape into the room. After showering, leave the bathroom door open a little longer, so that the moist air can spread through the rest of the house instead of only disappearing through the ventilation.
Heat less and ventilate differently
Heated air can hold relatively little moisture if you do not add any, so every degree you reduce the heating helps a little. It is also best to ventilate in short bursts during the winter: short, powerful bursts of fresh air instead of leaving windows slightly ajar all day, so that you do not unnecessarily let moisture escape outdoors.
When is this not enough?
These tips work well for a small amount of extra moisture, but they are no substitute for a humidifier if the humidity remains structurally too low, for example below 30 percent. Dynter does not sell humidifiers itself, but does sell appliances for the opposite problem: too moist air. If you are bothered by condensation, mold, or a stuffy, damp room, then the AirPure DH251 dehumidifier is a good choice. Want to know more about a healthy indoor climate? Visit dynter.eu.