Damp in your home: simple tricks and smart advice

Caught a faint musty smell in your bathroom? Are your walls sweating more than you do after a workout? Time to talk dehumidifying! Excessive damp in a home can be a real nuisance: mould, discomfort, heavy air. The good news is that there are simple tricks and effective tips to put things right. And no, you won't need an engineering degree to apply them!

Why does dehumidifying matter?

Before we get to the heart of the matter, a quick indoor weather report is in order. A humidity level that is too high (above 60%) can lead to:

• Mould (hello, black patches in the corners of the ceiling!),
• Allergies and breathing problems,
• Damaged materials (blistering paint, swelling wood, etc.),
• A constant feeling of discomfort.

In short, a cocktail we could all do without. This is where dehumidifying comes in.

Tip 1: Air out the place, again and again

It can never be said often enough: airing out is the foundation. Even in winter (yes, even when it's -2°C), open your windows for at least 10 minutes a day. This refreshes the air and clears out any built-up moisture.

A quick tip: go for cross-ventilation (open two windows on opposite sides) for an express effect.

Tip 2: Use a dehumidifier

Here's the hero of the damp story: the electric dehumidifier. Discreet but formidable, it absorbs moisture continuously and regulates the humidity of your interior. Ideal for very damp rooms such as the bathroom, the utility room or the cellar.

Worth knowing: there are also natural dehumidifiers based on salt or activated charcoal. Less powerful, but perfect for small spaces.

Tip 3: Avoid needless sources of damp

Sometimes we're the ones inviting the damp in without meaning to. Here are a few habits to avoid:

• Drying laundry indoors (your living room is not a launderette),
• Taking long, scalding showers with no ventilation,
• Cooking without an extractor hood or without opening the windows.

Every little habit counts when it comes to keeping humidity at a healthy level!

Tip 4: Put your faith in moisture-absorbing plants

What if nature lent you a hand? Some houseplants have a little superpower: they absorb ambient moisture. Among them:

• Ivy,
• The Boston fern,
• The spathiphyllum (or peace lily),
• Tillandsia.

Bonus: as well as regulating humidity, they add an elegant touch to your interior.

Tip 5: Look after your ventilation

A clogged-up mechanical ventilation system is like an umbrella full of holes. Remember to clean the air vents regularly, and if you don't have a ventilation system, fit one if you can. It makes an enormous difference, especially in older properties.

 

What you should absolutely avoid

Don't try to mask damp with scented candles or sprays: it solves nothing and it pollutes the air.

Painting over mould patches without treating the cause is like sticking a plaster over a water leak.

 

Dehumidifying is hardly rocket science! By combining a few good habits and keeping an eye on the humidity in your home, you can say goodbye to clammy walls and unpleasant smells. And above all, your health and your comfort will thank you for it.

In the middle of doing up your place? Have a quick read of our article on how to lay out your entrance hall: tips for a warm welcome