What is Nồm? 10 Effective Ways to Combat Indoor Dampness

The Northeast region of the country is experiencing a humid and muggy spell, which is affecting the health and daily routines of its residents. So, how can we combat the humidity and create a more comfortable indoor environment? The following article will provide some handy tips and tricks to tackle humidity issues, using readily available and inexpensive solutions.

What is Humidity?

Humidity refers to a weather condition where the moisture in the air reaches high levels, often exceeding 90%. This leads to water condensation, resulting in water droplets forming on surfaces such as floors, mirrors, and walls. Clothes take longer to dry, and food and electronic devices are more prone to damage.

Common Mistakes That Make Floors Sweaty During Humid Weather

The humid weather can be a nuisance and cause significant inconvenience in our daily lives. To mitigate this issue, people often try various methods to combat humidity indoors.

However, it’s important to note that some common practices can actually make the problem worse. Here are some mistakes to avoid when dealing with humidity in your home:

• Leaving doors wide open during humid weather: This allows moist outside air to enter the house, increasing the likelihood of condensation and sweaty floors.
• Closing doors and using fans to dry the air: Running fans can cause water droplets to condense, making the indoor environment even damper.
• Vigorous mopping with wet cloths: In reality, during humid weather, floors are already wet. Mopping with damp cloths will only add to the moisture, and this water won’t evaporate due to the saturated air.

Simple and Effective Ways to Combat Humidity

1. Keep Doors Closed

During humid weather, floors and walls tend to stay damp, and the air feels stuffy. Our natural inclination is to open all the doors to improve ventilation and create a sense of freshness. However, this is a counterproductive move as the wind during humid weather carries high moisture content. Opening doors will only invite more dampness inside. The best course of action is to keep all doors closed to maintain a drier indoor environment.

2. Mop Floors with Dry Cloths

In humid weather, your home is likely to experience higher levels of moisture. Instead of reaching for a wet cloth, opt for dry, clean cloths to wipe away any standing water on the floors. If you absolutely must mop the floors, use a well-wrung cotton cloth, and immediately follow up with a dry cloth to prevent excess moisture from lingering.

3. Use Air Conditioning in Dehumidifying Mode

One of the most effective ways to combat humidity during this time is to use air conditioning. When turning on your AC, make sure to set it to dehumidifying mode. This will help remove excess moisture from the air while also promoting better air circulation, ensuring a healthier environment for your family, especially for young children.

• Unraveling the Mystery of Energy Savings with the Dry Mode on Air Conditioners

4. Utilize a Dehumidifier

If you’re reluctant to use air conditioning, a dehumidifier is an excellent alternative to keep your indoor air dry and comfortable. Dehumidifiers are readily available in the market, with prices ranging from 4 to 7 million VND. These devices are compact, efficient at moisture removal, and suitable for any living space.

5. Employ Moisture-Absorbing Materials

For those who cannot afford air conditioners or dehumidifiers, moisture-absorbing materials like charcoal, lime, old newspapers, or dry cloths are fantastic alternatives. These items are inexpensive and highly effective at combating humidity. However, they may not be the best option if you have young children in the house. Charcoal, for instance, can be placed in a small basin and left in a corner to absorb moisture naturally. Lime, on the other hand, can be stored in wooden crates (10-15kg) and placed under beds or in room corners. During periods of high humidity or excessive dampness, open the crate lids to release the lime’s moisture-absorbing properties. Just remember to keep these materials out of children’s reach for safety.

Additionally, you can use old newspapers or dry cloths near entrances, sinks, and bathrooms to absorb moisture. This is a handy tip, especially if you don’t have enough mats to swap out during prolonged periods of humid weather.

6. Prevent Mildew in Wardrobes and Corners

Dealing with mildew in wardrobes, corners, and walls can be challenging. The best solution is to use moisture-absorbing boxes, which can be purchased at major supermarkets or stores selling Japanese and Korean products. These boxes typically cost around 40,000 VND each and last for 2-4 weeks. They work by drawing moisture into absorbent beads, which then transform into a gel-like substance, making them clean and convenient to use.

7. Disinfect Utensils and Other Items with Hot Water

During humid weather, items like chopsticks, spoons, and bamboo or wooden mats are prone to mildew. To prevent this, after washing dishes each day, rinse them with hot water as a final step. Ensure they are thoroughly dried or spaced out to prevent moisture buildup. If you have a dishwasher, make sure to use it regularly.

8. Keep Electronics on Standby

Humid conditions can cause damage to electronic devices and even lead to electrical faults or fires. To prevent this, keep your devices plugged in and on standby mode. Additionally, aim to use them for a few hours each day. To avoid electrical leaks, refrain from placing electronics directly on the floor or against walls. Instead, place them at least 1 meter above the ground and maintain a distance of 10-15 cm from walls.

9. Fragrance the Air with Essential Oils

Humid weather often leads to musty odors in the home. To counteract this, use essential oils to fragrance the air. Opt for light, pleasant scents like lavender or lemon to create a soothing and refreshing atmosphere.

10. Use Quicklime to Absorb Moisture

Purchase 10-15kg of quicklime and store it in cardboard or wooden boxes. During peak humidity, place these boxes in room corners or under tables and open the lids. The quicklime will help absorb excess moisture from the air. Just remember to keep them out of reach of children.

We hope these tips will help you effectively combat humidity and create a more comfortable indoor environment.

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