How to reduce high humidity from your home in Singapore
Is it really hot out there, or is it just humidity? Find out how you can reduce indoor humidity level in this article.
I'm convinced that perspiring due to high humidity—while waiting for public transport, walking from the car to the nearest air-conditioned mall, walking between the office and lunch, or even taking a nice evening stroll—is a common experience for everyone living in Singapore.
The average humidity in Singapore is 84%, ranging from over 90% in the morning to 60% in the afternoon. Because we're located snugly along the equator, surrounded by the ocean, and blessed by intense sunshine, water from Singapore's surrounding seas evaporates rapidly. Sea breezes carry moisture-laden air to Singapore, causing the "sticky" feeling we get on our skin when our perspiration cannot evaporate into the air quickly.
According to Meteorological Service Singapore, the later parts of April 2024 is looking wet and hot. This is due to monsoon rain bands forecasted to lie close to the equatorial region, bringing more thundery showers to Singapore. During this period, thundery showers are expected over parts of the island in the afternoon, starting from the late morning. The total rainfall for the second half of April 2024 is forecast to be above average over most parts of the island.
So, rain and this heat? Humidity central is going to happen. This humidity can affect our homes, resulting in insects such as plaster bagworms, furniture degrading or mould.
We've got some handy articles to tackle mould and plaster bagworms, but how about humidity, which is the source of all these problems?
Read on to find out how to remove humidity from your homes!
Related:
How to remove mould from grain leather bags and shoes properly
How to remove mould from your tiles and walls in Singapore
How to get rid of plaster bagworms from your home in Singapore
How to remove humidity from your home
There are three simple ways to do so.
1. Ventilate the house
Yes, it's as simple as opening your windows and doors from all sides of the room and allowing the outside and inside air to circulate, especially on a sunny, balmy, windy day.
However, this requires some discerning on the user's part, for if the outside humidity is higher than indoors, you can introduce more humidity into your home. During rainy days, the problem is exacerbated.
This brings us to the next point:
2. Use dehumidifying tools
Our senses may not always be accurate, and let's be honest, we can be dramatic about our sufferings in Singapore.
The good news is, there are tools and equipment we can use to help us fight humidity. The magic number for humidity comfort at home is around 45 per cent, which you can monitor using a hygrometer to keep track of the humidity inside and outside the house.
Shop Hygrometer Amazon | Lazada | Shopee
Now that you've established the house's humidity, here's how to bring the numbers down to a more agreeable comfort level.
Moisture-absorber
The advantage of a desiccant or silica gel is self-explanatory: It removes moisture from the immediate surroundings, though it's often restricted to a small area.
For the eco-warriors: you can collect a bunch of desiccant/silica gel that often comes with products, dry them in the sun or a microwave (gentle heating only), and reuse the gel in your cupboards and wardrobe! If not, there are plenty of moisture absorbers available in the market.
Thirsty Hippo Dehumidifier Moisture Absorber deal
Dehumidifier
For larger areas, such as a room, a dehumidifier collects moisture from the air. Transfer it into a container and empty it regularly.
Shop dehumidifiers on Amazon | Lazada | Robinsons | Shopee
Plants
Greens such as Peace Lily, Spider Plant, Snake Plant, Boston Fern, Aloe Vera, Orchid, Begonias and more are known to dehumidify, improve air quality, and simultaneously provide visual relief to the eyes!
Shop plants on Ferns & Petals | Lazada | Shopee
3. Keep the aircon on "Dry" mode
Instead of your usual Cool mode, putting the aircon on Dry mode keeps the room cool by removing moisture from the air, which means it's a much more efficient way of providing comfort while you're sleeping.
Also, keeping fans and ventilators switched on—specifically meant to remove moisture from the air—will help keep the circulation going in your room, leading to less moisture overall.
Here's to lesser humidity and more comfort!
