Heavy air, persistent humidity and a musty smell: these problems are often felt at home, especially in cold or rainy seasons. Just one ingredient that you already have in your pantry is enough to prepare a natural dehumidifier.
When humidity creeps into the corners, the walls seem to retain that unpleasant odor that never goes away. Wet carpets, foggy windows in the morning and a feeling of still air that makes it difficult to even rest. All of this, in the long run, favors the appearance of mould, allergies and minor domestic discomforts. There’s no need to call the plumber or immediately rely on expensive electrical appliances: often the simplest solution arises from a daily gesture. A cup of coffee on the table, a window open for a few minutes, or… a grandmother’s remedy that is back in fashion to save money.
Anyone who has tried at least once to remove mold knows how stubborn it is, yet there are little tricks that, almost by chance, change the air in the entire house. At this time of year, especially if the days are rainy, we are looking for a way to reduce humidity effortlessly. And this is where the natural dehumidifier comes into play: a solution that costs less than a coffee at the bar, ready in less than a minute.
The natural dehumidifier: how it really works
One of the most common ingredients to combat home humidity is coarse salt. It seems like an ancient, almost banal trick, but those who have been using it for years guarantee concrete results. Salt, in fact, has the ability to absorb water from the air and retain excess humidity effortlessly. It is not magic, rather a natural reaction that has always been exploited in the kitchen and in food preservation.
How is it prepared? Just take a glass bowl or cup, fill it with coarse salt (a large handful is enough) and place it in the most humid environments, perhaps near a window or next to an external wall. In a few days you can notice the difference: the salt compacts and becomes moist, a sign that it is absorbing water from the air. It can be replaced or renewed every week, without waste and without effort.
It is curious to note that salt sometimes seems to “sweat”. A detail that those who live in seaside areas know well, especially in the warmer months or when you leave the house closed for too long.
Other natural remedies against humidity (but be careful…)
Coarse salt is the simplest, but there are also other natural methods. Some use the bicarbonate (it works, but is less effective), others try with the rice in small cotton bags. There are also those who use activated carbon to absorb humidity and reduce bad odors, especially in wardrobes.
You shouldn’t expect miracles: if the problem is serious or persistent, you need to ventilate often and, sometimes, resort to more structured solutions. An electric dehumidifier may become necessary in older homes or basements. However, for those who just want to prevent or limit the formation of mold, these natural methods are enough to change the air.
A note: pay attention to where you place the container of salt or bicarbonate, it is better to avoid places that are too hidden where you risk forgetting it for months (every now and then a quick check is needed, perhaps while the season is changing).
Small daily gestures for a drier home
In addition to do-it-yourself remedies, there are simple habits that help maintainclean air and to prevent mold. Air the rooms at least ten minutes a day, dry splashes of water in the bathrooms and kitchen immediately, avoid hanging the laundry inside the house on humid days.
There’s no need to become a cleaning maniac, just observe a few more precautions, perhaps leaving a crack open even when it’s raining outside. Sometimes all it takes is a small change, like choosing to move the bed away from the outside wall.
After all, a bowl of salt is enough to make the air lighter. A simple gesture, at almost zero cost, which transforms the atmosphere of your home without making any noise. And basically, it happens like this: you only notice later, when everything finally seems lighter.
You might also be interested in: Warmer old houses: practical tricks for retaining heat without invasive work
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