How to Deal With Humidity

Humidity in the home can lead to serious problems, such as mold and mildew. Basements are a common problem area--if it's finished with carpet, moisture can become trapped in the carpet and promote mold production. Some homes even experience structural damage after extended periods of high humidity. Read on to learn how to deal with humidity.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Improve drainage around your home. Buy gutter extensions so rainwater is deposited far away from the foundation. Manipulate the soil around your home so it slopes away from the house, preventing water from pooling next to your foundation.
2. Make sure your clothes dryer vent is clean and free from obstruction. Even better, dry your clothes outside on a clothesline.
3. Give away your houseplants. Plants release water vapor into the air of your home and increase the humidity.
4. Reduce humidity in the bathroom by using bathroom vent fans and taking cooler and shorter baths and showers. When cooking on the stove, use the range vent. Or, do most of your cooking in the microwave so the moisture is contained.
5. Buy a dehumidifier. You can buy a smaller dehumidifier for any problem areas, such as the basement. If you're having major issues, you can also find whole-house dehumidifiers that will remove moisture from the air throughout your home.
6. Turn on your air conditioner to remove moisture from the air.
7. Deal with water problems immediately. If water seeps into your basement after a rainstorm or you have leaky plumbing fixtures, you must dry out the area as quickly as possible. The longer materials stay wet, the more likely you will have mold or permanent water damage.

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