Moisture in the home is one of the most common problems that many people face, and its danger lies in its negative impact on public health and the safety of the home's infrastructure. Moisture is a major concern, as it contributes to the emergence of mold and fungi that may lead to multiple health problems, such as allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems. In addition, moisture can lead to the deterioration of furniture, walls, and ceilings, which necessitates costly repairs. There are many causes of moisture, including water leaks, poor ventilation, and climatic factors. Therefore, it is important to recognize moisture and ways to combat it. Let us explore together in this article, Dalili Medical, how to get rid of home moisture and its negative effects, and the most prominent ways to treat it.

What are the signs of moisture in the home?

 

There are several indicators that indicate the presence of moisture in the home, the most prominent of which are the smell of mold, the appearance of water spots, and the growth of mold on walls or other surfaces. Steam condensation can also be observed on windows or walls.

How can I prevent moisture from leaking into my home?

 

Moisture problems in the home can be effectively addressed by improving insulation, repairing leaks, and ensuring good ventilation.

Does moisture affect the health of family members?

 

Yes, moisture can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause health problems such as allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems.

What are the best devices to reduce humidity in the home?

 

Electric dehumidifiers are effective in reducing the level of humidity in the air, in addition to the possibility of using ventilation devices that enhance air flow such as exhaust fans (hoods).

How can I detect leaks in the home?

 

You can do a visual inspection to look for water stains or mold on the walls and ceilings, and you can use leak detectors to help identify the problem.

How can I improve bathroom ventilation to reduce humidity?

 

You can install an exhaust fan, also known as a hood, to get rid of water vapor from showering. It is also preferable to open the window after showering and use mold-resistant shower curtains.

Does humidity damage furniture?

 

Yes, humidity can damage wooden and fabric furniture, as it can cause wood to rot and mold to grow on fabrics.

What is the ideal level of humidity in the home?

 

The ideal level of humidity in the home is between 30% and 50%.

Can humidity cause problems with electronic devices?

 

Yes, humidity can damage electronic devices by causing internal corrosion and electrical malfunctions.

**How ​​can you tell if there is humidity in your home?**

 

**Fogging on interior glass** If you notice fog or steam on the glass or water droplets on the edges of windows and doors, this is an indication of high humidity levels in the place. The accumulation of moisture on these edges can lead to mold and damage to materials, especially if they are made of wood.

**Dark spots on the ceiling or corners of the walls** These spots often appear in bathrooms, especially if there are no fans to extract the steam and moisture outside. This can lead to mold forming on the ceilings, corners of the walls, or behind the bathtub.

**Foul or musty smell** If you smell a musty smell in the air, towels, bedding, or inside drawers, it could be a sign of mold caused by moisture. These odors should not be ignored, as they can be toxic substances that cause health problems such as breathing difficulties, sinus infections, and migraines.

**Peeling paint or crumbling plaster** If you notice peeling paint on your walls or ceilings, it is important to check these areas to make sure there is no accumulated moisture.

**Allergic reactions** Excess moisture in the air can lead to the growth and spread of allergens such as dust mites and germs, which can cause allergic reactions in some people.

**Types of moisture insects and ways to eliminate them**

 

**Beetle** Beetles are about 5 mm in size, and usually live in windows, doors, walls, and holes. Their color ranges from black to brown, and they can penetrate materials such as wool, leather, silk, and fur, in addition to some industrial products such as rubber and plastic. As for the skin beetle, it is small in size, reaching 3 mm in length and brown in color, and despite its small size, its harm is great. These insects feed on food materials such as starch and flour. There are also some moisture insects that reach 2 mm in size, and they have an elongated body and fly, and are reddish-brown in color with a long mustache. The larvae of these insects feed on a variety of materials such as paper, clothing, and fibers.

**Black weevil** The black weevil is considered one of the insects that harm human health, due to its small size and difficulty in seeing it with the naked eye, in addition to its ability to penetrate food. If these insects enter the human body, they may cause allergies that lead to redness of the skin or the appearance of a rash, and may also cause asthma attacks and coughing. Symptoms similar to poisoning may also be accompanied by the entry of these insects into the body.

**Bed bug** Bed bugs belong to the group of insects that prefer humidity, and are active at night, where they make a home in a human bed, as they reproduce inside the covers that provide them with a suitable environment. This insect feeds on human blood by piercing the skin layer and sucking blood, which leads to itching in the affected area, without causing diseases or other damage.

**Cockroach** Cockroaches are considered one of the most famous insects in the world, as they reproduce quickly and in large numbers, and there are many types of them. They feed mainly on food scraps left by humans, and if they are not available, they can feed on other materials in the house such as fabrics and wood.

**The effect of humidity on the house**

Humidity causesThe house has many problems, such as damage to furniture and decorations, in addition to the spread of bacteria and unpleasant odors. Moisture also erodes surfaces and concrete, resulting in cracks in walls and ceilings.

**How ​​to identify the presence of moisture insects**

 

You can detect the presence of moisture insects by noticing moisture spots on the walls or signs of damage to wooden furniture. Small insects can also be seen in humid areas, which leads to the destruction of organic materials such as fabrics and paper.

**How ​​to clean traces of moisture?**

 

The traces of moisture on the walls can be removed by following simple steps, which are:

1. Prepare a cleaning mixture by adding some detergents or hand soap to a bucket filled with water in appropriate quantities, then use it to cover moisture spots on the walls.

2. Start the cleaning process by dipping a cloth in the cleaning mixture and using it to gently wipe the mold spot, without rubbing or using a brush, to avoid spreading mold spores again.

3. Dry the walls using a dry cloth, taking care not to rub the walls so as not to damage the paint.

**What is humidity?**

 

Humidity is divided into two parts:

1. **Scientific concept**: refers to the increase in the percentage of water vapor or water itself, whether in the air or in solid materials such as the walls of houses.

2. **Practical appearance**: related to the appearance of mold on the walls, such as the appearance of white spots resembling salt or green spots as a result of the formation of algae, which leads to peeling of paint and the appearance of salty dust on the ground in areas of humidity.

**Where does humidity come from?**

 

1. **Pipe leaks**: The main reason for the appearance of humidity on the walls inside the house is the presence of leaks in the internal water pipes or sewage. It is not necessary that the pipes inside your home are the only reason, as leaks from the neighbors' pipes may be responsible for the appearance of humidity in the walls of your home.

2. **Damp indoor places**: Humidity can also appear in rooms that lack good ventilation. As water vapor accumulates in these rooms, it damages the paint and walls, which is one of the main causes of humidity.

**House Cleaning** Housewives clean the house almost daily. When the floors have problems, the water used in cleaning is absorbed, which leads to its transfer to the walls. This can cause moisture and paint problems as well.

**How ​​can I reduce moisture in my home?**

 

Moisture and mold in the house can be reduced by improving ventilation, repairing leaks, using dehumidifiers, and enhancing thermal insulation.

**What is home moisture and where does it form?**

Moisture appears in some areas of the house in the form of green or yellow spots, which leads to the appearance of mold, which is a type of fungus that grows in dark, warm places that lack good ventilation. Moisture is also found in humid places such as bathrooms and kitchens due to steam, as well as in bedrooms above beds and on walls and ceilings that are more exposed to rain and snow. Moisture can cause many diseases for some people, and it is one of the causes of allergies that may be ignored. Moisture is divided into:

. **Indoor moisture**: which is formed as a result of washing, cleaning, using water, bathrooms, and mopping floors.

. **External humidity**: which arises due to weather conditions, especially in coastal cities or on lower floors, where buildings are far from air and sun

**Repairing leaks** Leaks are one of the main causes of excess humidity in homes, and can be identified by the appearance of circular marks or wide rings on the walls. It is necessary to address these leaks, which may be caused by pipes behind walls or under floors. It is preferable to call a professional plumber to repair them and check for any external leaks, or for high groundwater levels, which may appear in the form of spots on the surface of the house and lead to moisture seeping into the walls and ceilings. In this case, it becomes necessary to use an effective waterproof insulator to treat home humidity, especially in winter. It is also advisable to learn about ways to hide wall defects such as peeling paint, mold, and cracks resulting from humidity.

**Installing ventilation hoods** If the kitchen or bathrooms of the house lack windows or their windows are small and insufficient to improve air flow, it is necessary to install appropriate ventilation hoods. These places are considered the most humid areas in the house due to the large amounts of steam that accumulate on the ceilings and walls, which contributes to improving the air quality inside the house.

**Improving ventilation** It is important to enhance air flow in homes that suffer from humidity. It should be noted that not enough air reaches all parts of the house can lead to serious humidity problems, making this problem one of the things that need periodic maintenance, which is preferable to reduce as much as possible. Air flow can be improved in several ways, including:

- **Opening windows**: Air flow from outside to inside helps reduce moisture condensation on walls and windows, which contributes to reducing humidity in the house.

- **Operating a fan or air conditioner**: Fans help reduce humidity by renewing the air inside the house, which reduces the formation of humidity.

**Properly distributing and covering houseplants** Some houseplants produce steam that helps raise the humidity level inside the house, and irrigation water may evaporate from the soil. Therefore, it is preferable to place them outside, if possible, such as on the balcony or windowsills. It is important to distribute the pots in different parts of the house and not to collect them in one place. It is also recommended not to over-water to avoid increased humidity due to excess water. Finally, it is preferable to cover the surface of the soil with pebbles to reduce water evaporation from it.

**Treatment of damp walls by burning**

The wall burning technique can be used as an effective way to get rid ofHumidity, as heat evaporates the moisture in the walls and releases it into the air. This is done by using a set of devices and tools that generate a light flame, which is used as a means of preventing moisture in the walls. This flame is passed over all areas suffering from moisture.

**Insulating walls from the inside and outside** If the building is located in a quiet and uncrowded area, tools and pumps can be used to spray asphalt and cover the building with stones or bricks, as the asphalt layer forms an effective external insulator against moisture and rain. These insulating materials also help prevent the transfer of heat into the building. If the building is surrounded by a large number of other buildings, the walls and bathrooms are insulated in a special way, by filling the gaps in the walls with rock wool, which is compressed tightly to provide strong and effective insulation. The wall insulation process is carried out in several stages, as the thickness of the insulation for the interior walls should range between 20 to 25 cm. It is also necessary to close the gaps between the blocks to avoid the problem of moisture in the exterior walls.

Polystyrene panels of a specific size can be used as a moisture insulator, provided that the thickness of the internal and external walls is 30 cm, with the thickness of the insulation block being about 10 cm.

In addition, the walls are insulated from the outside by applying several layers of insulation before reaching the final finishing stage. This method is effective and is among the best and easiest insulation methods.

This method is characterized by its low cost and ease of use in old and modern homes, and its effect remains effective in the long term, enhancing the strength of the wall from the inside out.

**Treatment of peeling ceiling paint**

These problems can lead to serious future damage, such as the collapse of the entire building or property. Cracks also spoil the general appearance of the corners of the house.

One of the most prominent methods of treating peeling ceiling paint is to use putty on the cracked areas, then leave it for at least an hour. After that, sandpaper is used to smooth the surface, then we reuse the putty again. Finally, we apply a good type of paint, diluting it with water.

**Natural materials to get rid of moisture in the home**

There are many natural materials that help prevent the formation of moisture and mold, and act as effective means to get rid of moisture in the home. The most prominent of these materials are:

**Coarse salt:** Coarse salt is considered an effective solution to the problem of moisture in the home. It can be used by distributing quantities of it in flat containers and placing them in areas that suffer from moisture, especially in narrow spaces that lack good ventilation, which helps reduce moisture or eliminate it completely.

**White vinegar:** White vinegar is one of the natural materials useful in treating moisture inside the home. It helps remove unpleasant odors resulting from moisture when used to clean the place, and it also works as an anti-mold quickly and effectively.

**Tea tree oil:** Tea tree oil is a powerful anti-humidity, as it prevents its formation in the long term. It is characterized by the absence of a strong odor, unlike chemicals that may negatively affect human health, making it an effective option to get rid of moisture in the home.

Sodium bicarbonate: Sodium bicarbonate is considered one of the best dehumidifiers in the home. It can be used effectively to get rid of moisture and unwanted odors, by placing a small amount of it in a container and placing it inside the closet. It quickly absorbs odors and eliminates them immediately.

**Chemical and industrial materials to get rid of moisture in the home**

 

These materials include industrial compounds and medications that aim to eliminate moisture inside the home, and are an effective long-term solution. The most prominent of these materials are:

**Bleach (chlorine):** Bleach is considered one of the effective materials in eliminating mold and the germs that cause it. The active ingredient in bleach is sodium hypochlorite. It can be used to get rid of moisture and mold stains by mixing a cup of bleach with two liters of warm water, then wiping the moldy surface with a cloth and leaving it to dry. Bleach is considered one of the strongest materials in combating moisture.

**Ammonia:** Ammonia is used to remove tar, nicotine, cigarettes, mold, and moisture stains from walls and surfaces. Care must be taken when using it, and it is preferable to wear a mask and gloves. The solution is prepared by mixing a tablespoon of ammonia with a cup of water. For painted walls, it is preferable to reduce the amount of ammonia to a quarter cup and mix it with 4 liters of water, then distribute the solution directly on the wall and leave it for five minutes.

** Using Borax Solution to Get Rid of Moisture ** It is recommended to use Borax solution as an effective means of combating moisture, as it is a safe substance and does not contain any toxins or risks.

The Borax solution is prepared by mixing it with water, then pouring it into a container, and this method is effective in addition to using coarse salt.

** Using Calcium Chloride to Control High Humidity **

Calcium Chloride is a colorless white substance sold in markets at reasonable prices.

It can be hung inside the room, as it works to absorb moisture from the walls.

** The harms of moisture appearing on walls **

Moisture on the walls leads to the formation of germs and bacteria, which cause diseases to humans. Thanks to moisture, these microorganisms can spread inside the house, posing a health risk when inhaled.

Moreover, moisture can cause health problems when it comes into contact with human skin, or if it mixes with food by mistake, or even if children eat moisture thinking it is a type of food.

Moisture also leads to rot, and over time, bad smells appear inside the house. Therefore, it is necessary to quickly address the problem of moisture on the walls.

**Tips to prevent moisture in the walls**

Here are some important tips to maintainKeep your home walls dry and healthy:

1. **Good ventilation**: Effective ventilation in the home is essential to reduce moisture in the walls. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to enter and get rid of accumulated moisture.

2. **Use heating devices**: Turn on heating devices to maintain a suitable temperature, which helps prevent moisture from forming on the walls.

3. **Install a fan in the bathroom**: It is useful to install a fan to extract air in the bathroom to get rid of moisture resulting from showering or using water. This fan will help improve ventilation and dry the walls faster.

4. **Monitor sources of moisture**: Make sure to follow up on sources of moisture in the home, such as leaks or defective pipes. Repair any damage to plumbing or insulation and make sure that water does not leak into the walls.

5. **Use moisture-resistant paints**: When repainting the walls, choose types of moisture-resistant paints. These paints protect the walls from absorbing moisture and reduce its accumulation.

6. **Clean the walls regularly**: Make sure to clean the walls periodically to get rid of dirt and accumulated moisture.

**Check the integrity of the pipes and drainage system**

 

Making sure that the pipes and drainage system in the house are in good condition is essential to get rid of dampness in the walls. Water leaks and drainage problems are the main causes of dampness on the walls.

First, you should check all the pipes and valves in the house to make sure there are no leaks. Check the pipes connected to the sink, washbasin, shower, and bathroom. Make sure the pipe clamps and lock keys are intact, and use wire tape to repair any leaks you may discover.

Second, check the drainage system in the house. Make sure there are no blockages in the drains and that they are working properly. You can use a special drain cleaner to remove any buildup or blocked openings. If you notice water leaking in the drains, you may need to call a specialist technician to deal with the problem.

By addressing any problems related to the pipes and drainage system, you will reduce the chances of water leaks and excess water accumulation, which will help reduce the problem of dampness in the walls. Make sure to perform regular maintenance on your pipes and drainage system to ensure their safety, which will help keep your home free from moisture and the damage it causes.

**Dry Wet Areas Immediately** When moisture appears on the walls, it is essential to take quick action to dry the affected area. If water is left to collect or flow for a long time, it can lead to bigger problems such as wall damage or mold. Here are some effective tips to dry wet areas on walls:

1. **Use an electric fan**: Turn on the fan so that it helps move the air and dry the wet areas. You can also use a portable fan to direct the airflow directly towards the affected area.

2. **Use a dryer**: Dryers are effective in drying wet areas on walls. You can place the dryer near the wet area and run it for a while until the walls are completely dry.

3. Use absorbent materials: There are many materials that can be used to absorb moisture from wet walls. You can place pieces of cloth or tissue paper on the affected areas and leave them for a few hours to absorb the moisture.

4. Use a hair dryer: A hair dryer can be useful for drying small wet areas. Turn the dryer on a low heat setting and point it at the wet area until it is completely dry.