Is DampRid as good as a dehumidifier? No. Chris says: “Our testing found DampRid is nowhere near as rapid or effective as a good dehumidifier, but for its price, it is an option worth considering for low-level damp problems.
Investing in a small dehumidifier will make breathing easier during those hot summer months. Don't ignore seasonal allergy triggers — Allergies can worsen COPD, so it is important to know your triggers and how to avoid them.
Let's jump right in!
Six ways to naturally dehumidify your home
For small, enclosed spaces with minor humidity issues, moisture absorbers are a convenient and cost-effective solution. However, for larger areas or persistent humidity problems, dehumidifiers offer a more powerful and adjustable approach.
Is DampRid as good as a dehumidifier? No. Chris says: “Our testing found DampRid is nowhere near as rapid or effective as a good dehumidifier, but for its price, it is an option worth considering for low-level damp problems.
You can reduce humidity in a room without a dehumidifier by ventilating it properly, turning on the air conditioner (if you have one), buying moisture-absorbent plants, or using baking soda or desiccants to remove excessive moisture.
Rock salt: Place bowls of rock salt in damp areas like closets or basements. It draws in moisture and requires no energy. Charcoal briquettes: Like rock salt, they absorb humidity and can be placed discreetly around the home.
The cheapest way to dehumidify a room is using DIY methods with household items like baking soda or rock salt. These materials are inexpensive and readily available, providing an affordable solution to reduce humidity.
Rock Salt. The most popular DIY dehumidifier is the one that works the best—rock salt. Rock salt naturally absorbs moisture out of the air, making it a great choice to use as a dehumidifier. To make a rock salt dehumidifier, you'll need a bag of rock salt and two 5-gallon buckets from a hardware store.
Tips for Reducing Humidity in Your Home Without a Dehumidifier
So, why is your house so humid, and what causes high humidity indoors? The short answer is that more moisture is being trapped indoors than your HVAC system can remove. Air leaks, poor ventilation, or an air conditioning system that's not working correctly can all exacerbate the issue.
DampRid is designed to remove moisture from the air. By doing so, it helps reduce excessive humidity. It's made up of an inorganic mineral salt called calcium chloride that absorbs moisture from the air.
Some of the main things you'll be advised to do are outlined below.
Factor explains, “Many patients with COPD have a component of asthma. Some of those patients prefer warm, dry climates, while others prefer more humid environments.” In general, lower humidity levels are best for people with COPD. According to the Mayo Clinic, the ideal indoor humidity level is 30 to 50 percent.
For supplemental moisture without a humidifier, combine a shallow water pan near a heat source, a damp towel draped on a drying rack, and 2 to 3 houseplants that release moisture through transpiration.
Signs of High Humidity
Condensation on Windows: If you notice water droplets on the inside of your windows, it's a sign that there's too much moisture in the air. Mold Spots: Mold loves damp environments. If you're spotting mold in corners, on walls, or in the bathroom, your home's humidity is too high.
Here's how they contribute to dehumidification: Transpiration Process: Plants absorb water from the soil and release it into the air through a process called transpiration. This natural water release helps maintain a balanced indoor humidity level, reducing excess moisture.
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You can reduce humidity by using a dehumidifier. Placing a dehumidifier in the bedroom may be particularly useful if your COPD symptoms worsen during the night.
Signs You Need a Dehumidifier
Yes. Humidity at 70% or above can make your bedroom feel sticky and uncomfortable, interfere with REM sleep, and increase wakefulness. High moisture levels also encourage mould, mildew, and dust mites, which can worsen allergies and respiratory issues, particularly during cooler months when ventilation may be limited.
Anything you can do to improve air flow will help minimise mould and mildew, so if you can't afford a dehumidifier, running ceiling fans or pedestal fans is worth a shot. (Hot tip: turning your ceiling fans to reverse mode will help push the warm air down, making your heating more efficient.)
Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic). Vent your clothes dryer to the outside. Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.