7 Ways To Humidify A Room Without A Humidifier, According To Experts

Table of Contents

Maintain optimal moisture levels whenever you need it.

You might not be giving much thought to your home's humidity levels just yet, but you will soon enough - just as soon as the moisture in your home starts to dissipate and your skin becomes parched from it, or you start experiencing a slew of other annoying health symptoms like scratchy eyes, a sore throat, or respiratory problems.

At home, you're in luck - there are a few straightforward expert-approved ways to humidify a room without a humidifier.

Meet the Experts

• .
• .
• .

Take a Shower

If you need a quick boost of moisture in your home, take a shower. Leading experts agree that taking a shower is an effective way to increase humidity levels. "Showering naturally vents hot water into the air as steam as you wash up. To make the shower even more efficient, try leaving the door or curtain open so that the steam can circulate back into the room you want to humidify," Uribe suggests.

While moisture naturally accumulates in the bathroom when you're taking a hot shower, Pen advises keeping the door slightly ajar both during and after taking a shower so the steam can circulate throughout the rest of the house. "Leaving the door open and allowing the steam to flow into other rooms is a simple way to introduce some moisture into your home," he says.

Whip Up a Meal

In addition to taking a shower, cooking a meal on the stovetop is another excellent way to boost the moisture levels in your home if you don't have a humidifier available. As Uribe explains, simply cooking food over the stove can increase the amount of water vapor in the air around you. This is because all the food we eat contains water, and when you cook, the water inside is heated and released as steam that spreads throughout your home. You can effectively humidity a space quickly just by preparing your evening meal and allowing the steam to circulate in the area.

Boil Some Water

One of the easiest and simplest ways to add moisture to a room without a humidifier is by boiling water on the stove. Much like cooking, the steam from the water circulates throughout the home to increase humidity, just like a humidifier would. "Just put a pot of water on the stove and let it simmer. You'll be surprised at how much moisture it adds to the air. Want to add some flair? Add some herbs or a splash of vanilla to give your home a pleasant, cozy atmosphere," Steckel said.

Make Your Own Humidifier

While a pot of simmering water can be a good humidifier, I get it if you don't have time for that,” Steckel said. “To simplify things, you can actually make your own humidifier by placing bowls of water in strategic spots around your home. 'I know this might sound unusual,' he said, 'so just hear me out. Putting bowls of water near sunny windows or on a heating radiator can work. As the water evaporates, it adds moisture to the room.'

Display Some Houseplants

Our experts confirm it! It's as simple as selecting the right plants for your space and needs. "Houseplants are like mini humidifiers from nature," says Steckel. "Ferns, peace lilies, and spider plants put out moisture through their leaves, making the air more humid. Additionally, they're attractive! You get a double benefit: they clean up your home and help prevent the air from getting too dry."

Air Dry Laundry

The next time you do a load of laundry, consider skipping the dryer and hang drying your towels, sheets, and washcloths. Hang them around the house instead. As they dry, "they'll release moisture into the air. It's a win-win—you get your laundry done and humidify your room at the same time!"

Mist Your Curtains

Do you have a spray bottle collecting dust in your cabinet? According to Pen, letting in a little extra moisture can be as simple as making the curtains wet. "A quick and easy way to increase the humidity levels is to spray your curtains with water using a spray bottle," he suggests. "Misting curtains with water is a better solution than placing wet towels on radiators because it won't reduce the efficiency of your heating system. Plus, this method works all year round - you can close your curtains on hot summer days and let the sun help evaporate the moisture."

• Some individuals may require a warmer temperature due to factors such as chronic health conditions or age.

Southern Living