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Learning how to reduce humidity in your house keeps your home comfortable and protects it from mold. High humidity makes the air feel sticky and encourages dust mites, mildew and musty smells. It can also damage paint, wood and furniture. The ideal indoor humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent.
How to Measure Indoor Humidity
Buy an inexpensive hygrometer at a hardware store. Place it in the room you want to check. Readings above 60 percent for long periods signal a problem. Other warning signs include these.
- Condensation on windows
- A musty or damp smell
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Visible mold on walls or ceilings
- Warped wood floors
How to Reduce Humidity in Your House: 10 Ways
1. Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is the fastest solution. Choose a unit sized for your room and empty the bucket regularly, or connect it to a drain hose. Basements often need one.
2. Run Exhaust Fans
Use the bathroom fan during showers and for 20 minutes afterward. Run the kitchen range hood while cooking. Both vent moisture outside.
3. Fix Leaks Quickly
Even small leaks add moisture. Check pipes, faucets and the roof. Our guide on how to find a water leak can help you track one down.
4. Vent the Clothes Dryer Outside
A dryer that vents indoors pumps moisture into the house. Make sure the vent leads outdoors and stays clear of lint. See how to clean a dryer vent.
5. Improve Air Circulation
Run ceiling fans and open interior doors. Moving air helps moisture evaporate. Keep furniture slightly away from exterior walls.
6. Use Your Air Conditioner
Air conditioners remove humidity as they cool. Keep your system serviced, and replace filters on time. Check how often to change your air filter.
7. Take Shorter, Cooler Showers
Hot showers create lots of steam. Cooler, shorter ones reduce moisture. Wipe wet walls and glass afterward.
8. Cover Pots While Cooking
Lids keep steam in the pot instead of the air. This small habit lowers kitchen moisture.
9. Manage Houseplants
Plants release water vapor. Group fewer plants in humid rooms, and avoid overwatering.
10. Improve Drainage Outside
Make sure the ground slopes away from the foundation. Extend downspouts and keep gutters clear, as explained in our guide on how to clean gutters.
Dealing With a Damp Basement or Crawl Space
These areas often cause whole-house humidity. Seal cracks in the foundation, add a vapor barrier and consider a sump pump if water collects. Dehumidify the space continuously.
The EPA explains how to control moisture and mold on its mold and moisture guide.
When to Call a Professional
Call an expert if humidity stays high after you try these steps. Persistent moisture can signal ventilation or foundation problems that need repair.
Final Thoughts
You can reduce humidity in your house by ventilating, fixing leaks and using a dehumidifier. Keep levels between 30 and 50 percent, and your home will feel fresher, healthier and more comfortable.