Humidity is one of the most common discomforts indoors during the cold months. Stained walls, constantly foggy windows and a musty smell are typical signs of excess humidity: a problem that affects comfort and can have an impact on health, especially when there is mold.
Notícias ao Minuto recently shared what many call the Polish method: a simple way of airing the house in winter, without using equipment. In practice, this is not “magic” or an expensive trick: it is short, frequent and controlled ventilation, a strategy recommended in several countries to reduce indoor humidity and the risk of condensation.
What is, after all, the “Polish method”
Contrary to the habit of keeping everything closed in winter, the logic here is to open the windows for a short time, but intensely (preferably with windows wide open and, when possible, creating a draft).
The reason is simple: humid air indoors tends to condense on cold surfaces (such as windows and exterior walls). By quickly renewing the indoor air, it is possible to remove part of this accumulated humidity and reduce the ideal conditions for the appearance of mold.
How long should you air in winter?
Instead of leaving a window “ajar” for a long time (which cools walls and can worsen the risk of condensation), the most common recommendation is:
- about 5 minutes per division, 2 to 3 times a day;
- and 5 to 10 minutes in situations of greater humidity, such as after cooking or bathing, or when airing the room in the morning.
The aim is to exchange the air without cooling the house too much and, therefore, short ventilation is usually more efficient than airing for long periods.
Humidity and mold are not just an aesthetic problem at home
Environments with humidity and mold can release particles and spores that mainly affect the respiratory tract. In more vulnerable people, such as children, the elderly, asthmatics or people with respiratory problems, the risk of worsening symptoms is greater.
When airing is not enough
Although useful, this technique does not solve everything. If there are infiltrations, poor insulation, thermal bridges or structural problems in the building, humidity may continue to appear even with regular ventilation, as explained by the same source. In these cases, the solution involves identifying and treating the cause (and, often, repairs).
A simple habit, but without miraculous promises
Short, frequent ventilation can be a good first line of defense against condensation, damp and mold in the home, without requiring you to buy appliances. Still, according to , it is important to be realistic: it can help a lot in prevention, but it does not replace the correction of construction problems nor does it “erase” mold already installed without adequate cleaning and control of the cause.
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