How to Improve Humidity in the Home

Keep your houseplants lush by increasing humidity in your home.

Humidity, or the amount of water vapor in the air, helps prevent houseplants from wilting and your skin from drying out. According to the Humidifier Parts and Filters homepage, a proper amount of humidity can also help preserve wooden furniture and reduce the amount of money spent on heating costs. In dry climates, residents usually compensate for the lack of humidity by increasing the amount of water vapor inside their homes. Humidifier machines are commonly used to improve moisture levels, but are not the only solution.

Things You'll Need

• Humidifier
• Large bowls

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Instructions

1. Install a humidifier machine in a central location, such as the living room or kitchen. If you have a large, two-story home, you may consider installing multiple humidifiers for best results. As humidifiers vary among manufacturers, refer to the installation instructions or have a professional install it for you.

2. Keep windows closed during the day to retain water vapor. Check that all door frames in your home are weather sealed to prevent humidity loss.

3. Leave the bathroom door slightly ajar while showering or bathing. The water vapor produced by a shower will help increase the entire home's humidity. Alternatively, you can draw a hot bath or run a hot shower for several minutes with the door open.

4. Place a large bowl of water in each room of your house. The water will slowly evaporate and help humidify the room. Replace the water every two days.

5. Boil a pot of water on your stove on a regular basis. This effect is similar to running a hot shower because it releases water vapor directly into the air.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your home's insulation checked by a professional. Insufficient insulation can cause rapid humidity loss.

• Do not allow children or pets near the boiling pot of water.

References

• University of Georgia College of Family & Consumer Sciences: Moisture Control in Homes; Dale Dorman
• Garden Line: Humidity and Houseplants; Grant Wood

Resources

• Humidifier Parts and Filters: The Benefits of Proper Humidity In Your Home