Why Check Your Home's Humidity
Indoor air moisture can affect your health – and your furnishings. Here's why and how to find the balance for your home
It goes without saying that we live in a humid country, but some have more humidity problems than others. My friend who lives in Marine Crescent, for example, has had to change mattresses every two years because they absorb the moisture from the East Coast sea breeze. Even inland, in a highly built-up neighbourhood like Orchard Road, humidity can be a bother if you are an art collector. The owner of a condo there, designed by Metaphor Studio, is a keen collector of Asian art and antiques and he keeps the airconditioning on 24/7 for the collection’s upkeep.
How can you tell if your home is too humid, or not humid enough?
High humidity = too damp
Low humidity = too dry
High humidity = too damp
- Windows always fog up
- Moisture stains, flaking paint or peeling wallpaper on walls and ceilings
- Mould in bathrooms, closets, under kitchen sinks, and decor like paintings
Low humidity = too dry
- Frequent electric shocks due to static electricity
- Cracks in walls
- Wood flooring and furniture having loose joints
- Constant respiratory problems, dry nasal passages, chapped lips, dry skin and sore throat
If you don’t have a hygrometer to measure your indoor humidity level, do the ice test. Put three or four ice cubes in a drinking glass and place it in a room where you spend a lot of time in, like the bedroom or living room. Leave the room for three minutes. When you return, look for beads of water on the outer surface of the glass. If they’re there, then the humidity in your house is at a good level. No droplets on the glass indicates dry air.
If you want to be really precise, get a hygrometer from a home improvement store. A reading of below 30 per cent means the air is too dry; above 50 per cent indicates excess indoor humidity. The ideal humidity level is about 45 per cent for a comfortable and healthy home.
If you want to be really precise, get a hygrometer from a home improvement store. A reading of below 30 per cent means the air is too dry; above 50 per cent indicates excess indoor humidity. The ideal humidity level is about 45 per cent for a comfortable and healthy home.
When it’s too humid
Get a dehumidifier, which will remove moisture from the air. For rooms, get an electric dehumidifier. This usually comes with a bucket where the moisture drips into; it has to be taken out from time to time or drained using a hose. Most dehumidifiers automatically shut off when the bucket is full.
Storage spaces like cabinets and closets will benefit from portable sachet or tub types like Thirsty Hippo, which you can find in your supermarket.
Get a dehumidifier, which will remove moisture from the air. For rooms, get an electric dehumidifier. This usually comes with a bucket where the moisture drips into; it has to be taken out from time to time or drained using a hose. Most dehumidifiers automatically shut off when the bucket is full.
Storage spaces like cabinets and closets will benefit from portable sachet or tub types like Thirsty Hippo, which you can find in your supermarket.
What about a ventilation fan?
Small spaces with small windows (or none) are susceptible to poor ventilation and moisture buildup. If opening that window is inadequate to regularly let fresh air in, install an exhaust fan to dispel stale air, odour and moisture. Damp laundry and wet towels are also possible moisture traps. Let these dry outside to prevent mould and bacteria growth. Wipe newly-washed dishes dry before placing in the cabinet, and leave wet umbrellas outdoors to dry.
Browse Singapore bathroom ideas
Small spaces with small windows (or none) are susceptible to poor ventilation and moisture buildup. If opening that window is inadequate to regularly let fresh air in, install an exhaust fan to dispel stale air, odour and moisture. Damp laundry and wet towels are also possible moisture traps. Let these dry outside to prevent mould and bacteria growth. Wipe newly-washed dishes dry before placing in the cabinet, and leave wet umbrellas outdoors to dry.
Browse Singapore bathroom ideas
When the air is too dry
Get a humidifier if your home lacks moisture. This releases water vapour into the air to increase the humidity level in a room. There are also air purifiers with humidifying functions, such as this Sharp Air Purifier with Humidifier, which sucks out dust and pollen while keeping the air moist.
There are also smaller (and more affordable) humidifiers that are aromatherapy diffusers as well.
Get a humidifier if your home lacks moisture. This releases water vapour into the air to increase the humidity level in a room. There are also air purifiers with humidifying functions, such as this Sharp Air Purifier with Humidifier, which sucks out dust and pollen while keeping the air moist.
There are also smaller (and more affordable) humidifiers that are aromatherapy diffusers as well.
Plants add a lot of moisture to the air and can contribute to increasing humidity levels. You may want to hold off on that gorgeous vertical garden if your neighbourhood is notorious for being humid. If your home has high humidity and you have a lot of plants, move some of them outdoors. On the other hand, a house that has dry air can benefit from having potted plants around – just make sure to water them regularly so they won’t wither and die.
TELL US
Does your home have a humidity problem? Share in the Comments section how you manage it.
TELL US
Does your home have a humidity problem? Share in the Comments section how you manage it.
Indoor humidity affects our health, as well as the quality of material finishes and home furnishings.