Tips to Reduce Humidity In Your Home

July 1, 2022 by Mulberry Maids

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Now that summer is getting into full swing, moisture build up in your home can be a major concern. Not only will increased humidity in your home be uncomfortable to live in, it can make keeping your home clean a tougher task. As the best provider of Loveland CO maids, we are here to provide some useful tips to help keep humidity and moisture at bay. 

Keep reading on to learn more about the importance of keeping moisture levels low in your home and tricks to help reduce it!

Why is humidity buildup bad for my home?

Humidity and moisture buildup can lead to mold and mildew growth throughout your home, which can in turn lead to respiratory issues such as asthma and other allergies. While humidity and moisture is typically more of a problem in wet environments, it can still be something to deal with in dry environments, particularly in poorly ventilated bathrooms. 

The moisture buildup can affect your home from the growth of mold and mildew in your showers and tubs, to musty odors that attach themselves to furniture. All of this buildup makes cleaning that much more challenging, especially if you are getting ready to move or sell your home. 

You can use the following advice to help prevent the buildup or mold, mildew and other symptoms of a high moisture content in your home, as well as put into practice different tricks and tips for cleaning in a very humid environment. 

Cleaning Common Areas and Surfaces in Your Home

Most surfaces and areas in your home can become damaged from excess moisture in the air, including your couches. They can become susceptible to mold and mildew growth, and will need to be cleaned accordingly. Hard furniture, such as wood chairs and tables can be easily cleaned to be rid of mold, mildew, or other moisture damage. 

Start by vacuuming the surface, and be careful not to touch or breath in any mold spores. Eye protection can also be helpful depending on the severity of the problem. After vacuuming, you can follow up by wiping the wood down with a diluted bleach solution (¼ cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water), using a non-abrasive scrubbing sponge or microfiber cloth to help clean up the surface. Let the furniture air dry outside in the sun. 

For upholstered, fabric, and leather furniture, the cleanup may be a bit more messy, as mold and mildew can be more ingrained into the fabric. It is best to take the furniture outside to clean. You can try to scrape off the mold and mildew with a stiff bristled brush or vacuum, then follow up with a one to one water and rubbing alcohol mix. Let the furniture air dry before bringing it back inside your home. 

Excess humidity and moisture can also cause musty odors in your home, particularly in carpets, curtains, and other soft surfaces that absorb odors. For musty and smelly curtains, you can wash them in a bleach mixture or a vinegar mixture, depending on the material and your cleanser preference. Simply soak the fabric in the bleach or vinegar for 30 minutes, and then launder them on a hot cycle. 

Walls and cabinets are another area where you may see moisture damage. To make a homemade cleanser to combat the mold and mildew, you can make a mix of borax, distilled white vinegar, and water in a spray bottle. Use this mix on walls, shelves, and cabinets to help get rid of mold and mildew. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe it away, or a brush or sponge if you need more scrubbing power. Be careful not to strip paint and finish off of the surface. 

Mold and Mildew Prevention

While it is great to go through your home to do a solid cleanup of the mold, mildew, and moisture damage, prevention is key moving forward. Making sure that your home does not build up excess moisture will not only help from a cleaning standpoint, but it will make your home that much more comfortable and fresh to be in!

Especially in the summer months, make sure that your home is well ventilated. Open up the windows if your air conditioner is not running to allow fresh air in, and to get the built up moisture out. This is key in areas such as the bathroom after the shower is used, as the steam needs a place to go. Keep windows open for at least 30 minutes after a shower, in addition to running the bathroom vent fan if you have one. 

You can also use a dehumidifier to help reduce moisture in your home. This may be overkill depending on the environment that you live in, but can be really helpful in moist and humid climates. In addition, make sure to keep fans on throughout the home to keep the air moving through your home. 

Loveland CO maids that deliver results!

Regardless of what type of cleaning you are looking for, Mulberry Maids is here for all of your residential and commercial cleaning needs. With a fully trained and vetted staff, you can rest assured that all your cleaning chores will be taken care of with ease!

So whether you live across the street from Glen Arbor Park, or elsewhere in northern Colorado, give us a call or send us an email with your unique cleaning needs. We will be happy to work with you to figure out exactly what you need, and we look forward to working with you soon!