You can reduce humidity in your home without a dehumidifier primarily by limiting moisture at the source and ventilating properly. Cook with a lid on, keep vents open, turn on the extractor fan, and dry laundry outdoors if possible. If humidity remains high, a dehumidifier can be a useful addition.
Where does moisture in the home come from?
According to the Who Insulates, Benefits campaign, an average household produces about ten litres of moisture per day through cooking, showering, and breathing. This is in addition to moisture from drying laundry indoors, houseplants, and leaks. During a cool autumn or winter, this moisture condenses on cold surfaces, leading to condensation on windows and mould over time.
Measures to reduce moisture
Start at the source. This approach costs nothing and often has an immediate effect.
Cook with a lid on the pan and use the extractor fan. Milieu Centraal recommends setting the fan to its highest setting; when baking or roasting, it can continue to run for about an hour. See their tips for ventilating your home.
Dry wet walls and floors after showering and then open the window for 20 to 30 minutes. Leaving it open for longer can actually cause cooling and condensation.
Dry laundry outdoors as much as possible, or in an unheated, well-ventilated room. For more tips, read our article on drying laundry indoors without a tumble dryer.
Ventilate continuously. Keep vents open, even at night, and do not turn off a mechanical ventilation system. Without a ventilation system, open all the windows in the house two or three times a day.
Do not place furniture against outside walls, so that air can circulate and moisture does not build up behind cabinets. Also read why a wardrobe can start to smell in a wardrobe smells musty.
Repair leaks as quickly as possible. Milieu Centraal lists leaks, rising damp, cold bridges, and inadequate ventilation as possible causes of recurring mould. See mould and moisture in the home.
Measure the humidity. A hygrometer provides insight. Also see our guide on the ideal humidity in the home.
When is a dehumidifier still useful?
Sometimes addressing the source is not enough: a bedroom that remains damp, a basement, or a utility room where you dry laundry. A dehumidifier does not replace ventilation, but can be a useful addition. Milieu Centraal points out that dehumidifiers consume electricity and work best in small, enclosed spaces.
Direct answer: limit moisture at the source, ventilate continuously, and dry laundry outdoors; use a dehumidifier only as an addition.
Overview: measure and effect
| Measure | Cost | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Lid on the pan, extractor fan on | Free | Less moisture from cooking |
| Open window for 20-30 minutes after showering | Free | Moisture quickly removed |
| Continuous ventilation | Free to low cost | Structural basis |
| Dry laundry outdoors | Free | Reduces a major source of moisture |
| Dehumidifier | Electricity costs | Addition for persistent moisture |
Dynter DH251 for persistent moisture
The Dynter AirPure DH251 is a compact dehumidifier for rooms up to 55 m².
Dehumidification: up to 900 ml per day
Water tank: 3800 ml
Consumption: 80W
Weight: 2.5 kg, so easy to move
Extras: 1 to 24-hour timer and night mode
View the Dynter DH251 or the dehumidifier collection. Want to know if a dehumidifier is right for your situation? Read does a dehumidifier help in a damp basement.
Frequently asked questions
What humidity level is too high?
Keep an eye on a hygrometer and read our article on the ideal humidity level. If the level remains high for an extended period and you see condensation or mould, action is needed.
Does opening a window always help?
Short, targeted ventilation helps, but leaving it open for a long time can cool the home and cause condensation.
Does heating help with moisture?
Warmer air can hold more moisture, but moisture only disappears if you also ventilate.
Are moisture absorbers a good alternative?
Only for minor problems. They work without electricity but fill up quickly.
When should I call in an expert?
If mould reappears in multiple places or the cause is unclear. There may be a structural problem.