In the kitchen, humidity is not immediately seen, but it can be felt: from the discolored walls to the foggy windows, small signs that we often underestimate in everyday routine. Yet, all it takes is a moment’s distraction and the situation worsens, especially in the colder months, when the steam cannot find a way out.
The constant presence of humidity in the kitchen It’s a more common problem than you might think. It’s the fault of daily habits, apparently harmless gestures which, put together, create an environment conducive to mold and decay. The steam that rises while cooking pasta, the clothes hanging too close to the stove, or that window that remains closed “it’s so cold”… Details that are repeated, almost without realizing it.
Nobody wakes up thinking about humidity, but everyone fights it. All it takes is a pot left to boil, a soup forgotten on the stove, and the air becomes saturated in an instant. Even those who believe they have a “dry” kitchen find themselves, sooner or later, struggling with a musty smell, swollen wood or stains that spread in less visible places. Small distractions that add up to make a difference, especially in winter, when the temptation to keep everything sealed takes over.
Mistakes that increase humidity in the kitchen
Humidity often arises from common actions, repeated out of habit. Cooking with the windows closed seems normal, especially in the middle of winter or on rainy days. But the steam that accumulates, day after day, finds refuge in the most hidden corners: behind the furniture, near the refrigerator, under the sink. In fact, it is not uncommon to notice that the musty smell starts right there.
Other frequent errors?
- Leave pots to boil without lids.
- Do not turn on the hood during cooking.
- Hanging clothes in the kitchen for “convenience”.
- Forget the windows closed even after cooking wet foods such as soups and boiled meats.
- Use boiling water to wash dishes and floors, without ventilating.
- Pile plants and decorative objects that retain moisture near the stove.
- Block vents and vents with furniture or objects.
Small things, but the sum makes the difference. A detail that, in the long run, really changes the microclimate of the home.
The invisible (and annoying) consequences of poor management
The poor moisture management it brings with it unpleasant consequences: surfaces that get ruined, furniture that swells, walls that get stained. What is often underestimated is that humidity does not just make the air “heavy”, but creates a perfect environment for mold and bacteria.
Not only that: the musty smell remains in the air, impregnating tablecloths, clothes, even the pantry. And it sometimes happens that you find small objects – old pots, lids, tea towels – with that typical damp smell that is difficult to eliminate. In the cold months, the problem becomes worse because the temptation not to ventilate is strong, especially when it’s raining or windy outside.
It is worth mentioning that the domestic well-being It also depends on these details. You don’t need to be a neat freak, you just need a little extra attention.
How to really reduce humidity in the kitchen: small gestures, big difference
No complicated solutions are needed to keep humidity under control. Indeed, often a few practical measures are enough. Leaving the window ajar during and after cooking is already a first step. If the extractor hood works well (and is not clogged with dust) it helps a lot. Another trick? Always cover pots and pans when the water boils, even if you are in a hurry. The condensation drops will be half as large, and the air remains lighter. After washing the floor or using a lot of water, opening the windows even for just ten minutes makes a difference.
Place the plants away from stoves and radiators, avoid blocking the air vents, periodically check the most hidden places in the kitchen (behind the furniture, under the sink). Small gestures that require a few extra seconds, but which – in the long run – help to avoid much worse annoyances.
In the end, there is no need to overturn habits, just change some of them. And maybe, while it’s raining outside and the windows are fogging up, take a break to really feel what the air is like in the house. It doesn’t take much, every day.
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