How to reduce humidity in the bathroom

Bathrooms are extremely humid rooms! They are subject to spraying water on the walls and floors which can lead to damage. Furthermore, these rooms have to deal with a lot of condensation.

This condensation can turn into stagnant moisture. Excess humidity can damage your floors and walls – but that's not all! It can also have a harmful effect on your health. The amount of moisture in the air must be regulated to create an environment that is healthy for both you and your surfaces! There are a few very straightforward ways to reduce humidity in your bathroom.

Humidity and surface damage

Humidity can alter the materials that make up your floors and walls. For example, moisture is the number one enemy of wood! A parquet or wood-based laminate floor will be able to handle a bit of water, but only in small amounts or your floor will end up misshaping – or, worse, start lifting up.

Floors and wall panels made from PVC are generally waterproof but there are still limits. And let's not even get started on any wallpaper you may have used in your bathroom for a decorative touch; it is sure to start peeling away if there is too much moisture in the air!

Tiles are more resistant to humidity and condensation. However, don't forget that if you let moisture sit on the surface of tiles, you will probably end up with limescale marks, which will make caring for your tiles a little trickier. Most types of paintare unable to withstand a lot of moisture and you may find that mould can set in very quickly.

In short, if you want your materials to last, you have to regulate the humidity rate of your bathroom.

Health risks of excess humidity

Having too much moisture in the bathroom – or in the rest of your house – does present some health risks. The rate of humidity must be managed in order to avoid fungus growth, mould mites, and other issues that can cause respiratory problems.

It can be hard to gauge the level of humidity in a room, as this constantly changes depending on the weather and your heating. There are certain devices that can help you measure the level of moisture in your home. An ideal humidity rate is around 50%: higher than that, you'll find the air is too dry; any lower and the air will be too humid.

It may seem obvious (or even silly!) to mention, but a good basic rule is to air out your bathroom as much as possible to allow the excess humidity to escape! If you have a window, open it after showering to prevent condensation from setting in. Of course, when it hits 5 degrees in the wintertime – or if you don't have a window (which can happen in small bathrooms) – things get a little more difficult. What's more, if it's raining outside, you may even run the risk of bringing in more moisture.

You may already havesome form of controlled mechanical ventilation installed in your bathroom or kitchen. This is usually added in when the house is being built. If this is the case in your home, you may have air vents that lead to a centralised system that is designed to freshen the air and release humidity.

Futhermore, a bathroom that is kept warm will be less humid. It is generally advisable to keep your bathroom at a constant temperature of 17 degrees and 22 degrees when it is in use. It's a good idea to leave your radiators on for a short time after using the bathroom to help dehumidify the space. If you are looking for a quick temperature heat-up time, a heated towel rail equipped with a fan will be a great choice.

If that isn't enough, invest in a dehumidifier. Alternatively, a moisture absorber can also come in handy.

Moisture absorbers: an easy way to reduce humidity

Moisture absorbers are small devices that can be placed anywhere (although you will need an outlet if you go for an electric model). These may not be the most attractive machines but they are effective. Air and moisture circulate in the machine before the water is captured by an extremely absorbent product (usually calcium chloride).

The water is then released into the base of the absorber, which should be emptied on a regular basis.

Making your own dehumidifier in 7 steps

Dealing with humidity issues but don't have the budget – or the desire – to invest in a moisture absorber? It is possible to fashion your own dehumidifier!

1. Take a plastic bottle and cut off the top.

2. Place cotton wool at the bottom of the bottle.

3. Take a large cotton pad and block the top of the bottle where the cap is suppose to go using an elastic band.

4. Position the top of the bottle into the bottom, upside down, with the top towards the bottom.

5. Staple the two parts together so they form one unit.

6. Pour coarse salt into the top half, so it almost reaches the top.

7. Place your new dehumidifier wherever you want.

Nonetheless, you might want to hide it because, let's face it, it's not going to be pretty – even if you decorate your bottle! On the other hand, it is an effective solution. Just remember to change it out on a regular basis.