Humidity 101: How to Deal With Moisture In Your Home

Summer heat doesn’t stand a chance.

For those months of the year when scorching temperatures teeter into oppressive territory, escaping inside your home for a cool blast of air is godsend. The sensation of pivoting from muggy heat to cool and dry is the ultimate soothing balm.

But what happens when the humidity levels in your personal space fall out of balance? Unfortunately, less-than-ideal situations can ensue, from a scratchy throat and dry eyes to more serious issues such as mold.

Ahead, we dive into the specifics of what humidity is, the percentage you should strive for in your home, and ways to mitigate unwanted fluctuations in the air’s moisture to keep your abode the ultimate haven from unreliable weather outside.

What is humidity?

Let’s begin with a basic definition, shall we? Humidity is the measure of the amount of water vapour that’s present in the air. When talking about ‘relative humidity’ this is usually shown as a percentage and indicates the amount needed to achieve saturation at the same temperature.

Is there an ideal humidity level?

Specifically within the context of a living space, most experts indicate that you should strive for somewhere between 30% and 50% humidity (with 60% being the absolute threshold). If it rests within this range you’ll be able to prevent issues associated with high humidity (like mould growth) as well as low humidity (such as dry skin).

What causes fluctuations in humidity?

Unfortunately, a bevy of contributing factors can increase or decrease the humidity in your home. Perhaps most obviously: the weather. If it’s hot and humid outside, that can trickle indoors. Conversely, when it’s cold and dry with low humidity during the winter, you’ll encounter those qualities in your home as well.

Other daily activities like cooking, showering, and running your dryer can all impact the humidity levels throughout your living space, as well as considerations like ventilation and the materials that were used to build your home (an example being wood, which absorbs and releases moisture). Fun fact: Your indoor plants release moisture through a process called transpiration, which in effect can also increase humidity levels!

How to deal with moisture in your home:

1. Power on your humidifier (or dehumidifier)

It may go without saying but one of the easiest ways to control the humidity in your home is with a – you guessed it – dehumidifier. Or, if you’re struggling with an overly dry environment, a humidifier. Look for options with useful features like a 360-degree rotating spout, night mode, and whisper-quiet decibels.

2. Sleep in moisture-wicking sheets

Natural fibres – like our 100% French flax linen – are great at moisture wicking and regulating your body temperature. Linen, especially, can absorb and release moisture quickly and its textured surface promotes air circulation, leading to a more sound sleep environment.

3. Get the air flowing

During extreme weather conditions it’s better to keep your windows closed, but generally speaking, a bit of air circulation helps to distribute moisture evenly throughout your home. Consider using fans, opening windows, and even switching on exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to keep humidity from building up in one area.

4. Stay on top of repairs

Regular maintenance and timely repairs of your home can help keep humidity levels balanced. This especially pertains to areas that are prone to leaks (think: roofs, plumbing, and windows), which if they aren’t attended to quickly enough can wreak havoc on the air’s moisture in your living space.

5. Be strategic about your laundry

Tossing your wet clothes in the dryer will drive the humidity levels up in your home, so why not opt for outdoor drying in the sun? It’s better for your clothes, your indoor humidity, and the environment!

6. Put a cap on steam

As much as we love a long, luxurious shower, if you're struggling with high humidity in your home, that shower might be the culprit. Other activities in the home like cooking can also add moisture into the air, so keep this in mind and mitigate by running exhaust fans and using lids on pots.

7. Adjust window treatments

The way your windows are dressed will have a significant impact on the humidity levels in your home. If it’s particularly muggy outside, heavy curtains and drapes will insulate the windows, keeping that warm, moist air from seeping indoors (and cold air that can cause condensation during the winter). In a similar vein, keeping blinds and shades closed on hot days is a smart move for preventing an increase in humidity, but leaving them open during the winter can allow sunlight to naturally warm your home, lowering the need for humidifiers.