A Guide to Improving the Humidity Level in Your Bathroom

A Guide to Improving the Humidity Level in Your Bathroom

If you combine simple daily routines with enough ventilation and surfaces that are resistant to moisture, you will not only be able to reduce the amount of humidity in your bathroom, but you will also be able to create an environment that is healthier and more refreshing.

Bathrooms are known for being humid and damp, which leads to an increase in the quantity of moisture that is present in the air. This is because showers and baths leave behind steam and moisture that build up over time. Mould, peeling paint, and unpleasant odours are all potential outcomes of this situation if it is not properly maintained. Not only will you be able to give comfort in your bathroom, but you will also be able to maintain the structure and finish, which is extremely important for keeping your bathroom accessible at the same time.

What Leads to Bathroom Humidity?

When you take a bath or shower, water vapour fills the room and evaporates on surfaces, contributing to damp conditions. Bathrooms can often be areas in our houses with limited airflow, especially when there are no windows or ventilation systems. This creates ideal conditions for moist air to remain. Excess humidity and moisture may harm your grout and sealant over time, making cleaning more difficult, damaging your surfaces, and contributing to mould growth.

What Risks Can a Humid Bathroom Cause?

A humid bathroom is not only physically uncomfortable, but it can also pose risks.

• Moulds and mildew thrive in humid environments, causing unpleasant odours and even triggering allergies and colds, especially when moisture in the air is high.
• Humidity can make paint and wallpaper peel and discolour.
• When exposed to excessive moisture and humidity, your fixtures, especially those in walk-in showers or connected to walk-in bathtubs, can rust more quickly due to the high humidity levels.
• Water damage and leaks can occur as a result of weakened grout and sealant, especially in areas with high humidity.

There are also safety concerns to consider. If your bathroom is designed for accessibility, preventing excess moisture and reducing humidity is important. Excess moisture and humidity can leave surfaces slippery, which is extremely dangerous, especially for people with mobility issues.

How can you reduce humidity in your bathroom?

There are various ways to reduce humidity in your bathroom, ranging from basic fixes that you can use right now to major renovations that provide long-term protection.

Change your regular bathroom routines

Several basic regular routines can significantly reduce moisture and humidity in your bathrooms. Using a squeegee to remove excess moisture from the shower screen or tiles helps to remove surface water before it dissipates into the air, generating humidity. After your bath or shower, open the windows and bathroom door to assist steam to evaporate fast before it condenses on the walls. Even lowering your shower temperature or taking shorter showers will help greatly minimise bathroom humidity.

Upgrade the ventilation system

An extractor fan is the best way to reduce the amount of moisture in a bathroom and help prevent mould. As moisture levels rise, modern extractor fans even include built-in humidity sensors that turn on automatically, saving you the trouble of forgetting to turn on the fan and keeping an eye on moisture levels. Extractor fans operate best when they are dust-free and clean. To keep dust and dirt from building up and decreasing the efficiency of your fan, clean the fan cover and blades regularly. To further enhance your bathroom’s airflow, try to combine your extractor fan with a ceiling fan or window vent.

Make use of moisture absorbers and dehumidifiers

Some bathrooms lack extractor fans and even windows for better ventilation. In such situations, a portable dehumidifier is a great tool. Water is actively drawn from the air by these devices and stored in a tank that is easy to empty when needed. Particularly in tight spaces, moisture-absorbed materials might be a useful choice if you’re looking for something smaller and more hidden to help reduce dampness. Another excellent and natural way to lower the humidity in your bathroom is to include some low-maintenance plants that will naturally absorb moisture.

Your surfaces should be waterproof

Reducing the humidity in your bathroom also has the added advantage of keeping the extra moisture from causing long-term harm. Adding waterproofing and protective treatments to your surfaces is an excellent way to help reduce the amount of moisture that can accumulate. Your bathroom’s walls, ceilings and floors are protected from water damage by anti-condensation coatings, waterproof grout and mould-resistant paints. This will not only help your bathroom last longer, but it will also make cleaning it easier and quicker.

While quick remedies are always preferable to nothing, if you want to significantly reduce the humidity in your bathroom, you may want to consider making it more moisture-resistant. As cold walls and ceilings are common places for condensation to accumulate, adding insulation is an effective way to lessen its effect. Underfloor heating keeps your bathroom warm and comfortable while also expediting the drying process.

You can ensure steady airflow in your bathroom by installing whole-room ventilation systems or upgrading your current extractor fans with humidity sensors. Lastly, but just as importantly, don’t overlook leaks. Over time, mould will grow and damage your bathroom due to the continual moisture caused by even the tiniest leak, especially in areas with high humidity.

 Ways to Monitor and Preserve Proper Humidity Levels

How humid should a bathroom be? Using a tiny digital hygrometer is the most convenient approach to monitor humidity. A humidity level of 40% to 60% is ideal for your bathroom; anything higher indicates that mould is likely to grow. Regular cleaning will help keep your bathroom smelling fresh and minimise wetness.

It all comes down to maintaining those regular routines and thinking about wise long-term solutions in order to effectively reduce bathroom humidity. Every step you take to keep your bathroom cleaner, healthier and safer for longer, from cleaning surfaces and using extractor fans to opening windows for more airflow and replacing outdated grout and sealant.

Conclusion

It is essential to maintain a comfortable level of humidity in your bathroom, not only for your comfort but also to prevent the growth of mould, to maintain the appearance of your space, and to ensure that it will survive for a longer period of time. By combining smart design decisions with regular routines that you stick to, such as having sufficient airflow, waterproof finishes, and proper insulation, you can make your bathroom appear clean, secure, and ready to last for a long time.

If your bathroom struggles with excess moisture or you’re planning a full renovation, now is the perfect time to make it more moisture-resistant and energy-efficient.

Are you ready to transform your bathroom into a cleaner, healthier, and more relaxing space?

Our skilled team at My Beautiful Bathroom can assist you in designing and building a bathroom that looks great and works well, no matter what the weather is like.

Book an appointment for your free consultation today and we’ll help you design the bathroom you’ve always envisioned.

For more information, please visit My Beautiful Bathroom.