With the beginning of the heating season, the air in apartments becomes dry, like in the desert. Humidity drops to 20-30% with a comfortable rate of 40-60%. This leads not only to dry skin and cracks, but also to a sore throat, difficulty breathing, constant static on hair and clothes, as well as wilting of indoor plants.
Many people immediately buy an expensive humidifier, but you can maintain a healthy microclimate using simple, proven home methods.
1. Water containers for radiators
- Hang special ceramic hanging humidifiers on heating radiators or simply place wide flat containers on them.
- Add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus, tea tree or lavender essential oil to the water for light aromatherapy and an antiseptic effect.
- Place long pieces of gauze or terry towel in the water, lowering one end into the container and spreading the rest over the hot radiator. This will increase the evaporation area significantly.
- Place a basin or bucket of water next to the radiator. The effect will be slightly weaker, but still noticeable.
2. Drying clothes in the room
Dry washed clothes not in the bathroom, but in the living rooms, installing the dryer near a heat source.
A large amount of moisture constantly evaporates from wet fabric, which is the most natural and powerful way to humidify the air in the house.
3. Water treatments for home
- After taking a shower or hot bath, leave the bathroom door open. Warm steam will quickly spread throughout the apartment.
- Kitchen humidification: cook soups on the stove more often, boil the kettle, use steam from cooking to benefit the cause.
4. Houseplants
Create green lungs at home. Some plants are particularly good at evaporating moisture through their leaves.
Regularly spray the leaves of plants from a spray bottle with settled water. This will increase the humidity around them and wash away the dust.
5. Ventilate wisely
Winter air outside, although cold, often contains more moisture than the dry air in the apartment.
Provide short but intense ventilation (5-10 minutes with a fully open window) 2-3 times a day. Cold, humid air will quickly heat up from the radiators, and its relative humidity indoors will become higher.
6. Homemade humidifier
- Pour water into a wide decorative vase or pan, add citrus slices (orange, lemon), cinnamon sticks, anise stars and pine branches.
- Place the container on the windowsill above the radiator or on the radiator itself (if the design allows). The water will slowly evaporate, filling the house with a wonderful winter aroma.
These lifehacks are based on the principle of natural evaporation of water and help raise indoor humidity to a comfortable level, protecting your health and home comfort.
Question and answer:
Do water jars or an aquarium placed around the apartment help?
Open jars of water have a very insignificant effect, since the area of evaporation from the surface of a small vessel is small. An aquarium, especially an open one, is a good source of moisture, but its maintenance is troublesome. A small indoor fountain is much more effective.
Is it possible to over-humidify the air using these methods and provoke the appearance of mold?
When using the described methods, it is almost impossible to re-humidify the air to a dangerous level above 70-75%. The risk of mold arises from spot and constant waterlogging.
Which method is the most effective if you can’t buy a humidifier?
Drying washed clothes in the living room. This is the method with the largest evaporation area and high efficiency.
