Excessive humidity - reducing causes and risks

Reduce humidity in living spaces

The term humidity briefly explained:

Humidity at home describes how much water vapor is contained in the air. It is usually referred to as relative humidity , which is expressed as a percentage (%). This number shows how much moisture the air currently contains compared to the maximum possible amount at a certain temperature. Example: At 50% relative humidity, the air contains exactly half as much water as it could hold.

Absolute humidity indicates how many grams of water are actually contained per cubic meter of air (g/m³), regardless of temperature or pressure.

However, we cannot immediately notice if the humidity is too high or too low .

This article was created in collaboration with Daniel Gwerder - an expert in health and indoor climate for over 20 years, Stylies - the Swiss specialist for mobile air conditioning units and indoor climate solutions and Tavora Brands AG as a sales partner.

Optimal humidity in living spaces

Why this is important for your health:

An optimal indoor climate means that the temperature and humidity in your home are ideally balanced. This directly influences your health and well-being.

• Avoid mold:
  Excessively humid air promotes mold growth. Mold spores trigger allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems, which are especially dangerous for children and allergy sufferers.

• Reduce house dust mites:
  Mites love moisture and warmth. Humidity levels below 60% make them uncomfortable, significantly reducing allergy triggers.

• Protect your respiratory tract:
  Dry air irritates the respiratory tract and mucous membranes, but excessively humid air can cause respiratory problems. Optimal humidity keeps mucous membranes healthy and thus strengthens your immune system.

Why well-being benefits:

• Sleep better:
  A balanced indoor climate promotes deeper sleep. You wake up more rested and feel fitter during the day. Humidity in the bedroom is especially important because you spend a lot of time there. Too much humidity promotes mold and dust mites, while too dry air irritates mucous membranes and disrupts sleep. A balance of 40–60% ensures healthy sleep and greater well-being.

• Comfortable living experience:
  Too humid air can quickly make you feel tired and uncomfortable, while dry air can irritate your skin and eyes. The right humidity makes your stay pleasant.

• Maintaining the value of your apartment:
  Furniture, floors, and walls suffer from persistently high humidity. The right indoor climate protects your home from structural damage and maintains a high quality of life in the long term. Humidity in living spaces is crucial for your well-being, your health, and the value retention of your home.

When the indoor climate “sweats”: Causes and risks of high humidity

Causes: In many households, moisture is a daily occurrence. Cooking, showering, drying laundry, and even breathing release several liters of water into the air every day. This moisture builds up particularly in densely insulated or poorly ventilated homes. structural defects such as leaky roofs or rising damp can contribute to persistent wetness. Even Aquariums, houseplants and wet laundry in the room significantly increase the humidity. In short: Where a lot of moisture is produced and little can escape, the indoor climate starts to "sweat." That's why optimal indoor humidity is important.

Health risks: Constantly humid air is not only annoying, but also unhealthy. High humidity provides ideal conditions for germs, mold spores, and dust mites to multiply. Mold grows particularly well at around 70–80% relative humidity and can begin to thrive above ~60%. The consequences for us: 

Mold in living spaces endangers the building structure and can trigger allergies or even asthma if spores are inhaled.

House dust mites love a warm and humid environment from ~60% humidity – at over 70% they feel feeling great. Their excretions cause allergies with symptoms ranging from a persistent runny nose to breathing difficulties. Curiously, even "bone-dry" air isn't ideal: Below ~40% relative humidity, dust pollution increases, which can also irritate the respiratory tract. . The motto is: find a healthy balance.

Comfort and property damage: Apart from health issues, the Living comfort when the apartment becomes a stalactite cave. Sultry air makes us sleep worse and reduces our well-being – we feel weak because sweat on the skin no longer evaporates Constantly fogged windows on cold days are not just a warning sign , but also annoy us in everyday life.

Damage to building fabric and furniture : Damp walls lead to wavy wallpaper and peeling paint. Condensation in corners and on cold exterior walls can encourage mold and mildew. . Wood swells, Furniture and Soils can become stained or even rotten due to moisture infestation It's no wonder, then, that too much humidity in a home can be very costly in the long run – not to mention a loss of comfort. Misted windows and damp walls are clear warning signs: Relative humidity above ~60% promotes mold growth and can be harmful to both your health and your home's furnishings over time.

What is optimal? Ideal indoor humidity levels

Which humidity Is the right one? Experts recommend a relative humidity of about 40% to 60% – this range is considered comfortable by most people. Values ​​around 50% RH are considered the ideal compromise between too dry and too humid. In this range, the mucous membranes remain moist enough, while mold and mites are significantly inhibited. The Federal Environment Agency advises not to exceed 60% permanently to prevent mold. .

However, the optimal humidity also depends on the room. In living rooms, work spaces, and bedrooms, 40–60% is ideal, with a room temperature of around 18–22°C. In the bathroom or after showering, the humidity may be higher for a short time (50–70%), but should be reduced again by airing. It is also important to Room temperature : Cold air can hold less moisture. If the room temperature drops below ~16 °C, the risk of mold growth increases dramatically at the same humidity – moisture then condenses on cold walls. . 

Conclusion: Keep living spaces moderately warm and the relative humidity within the optimal range. This will make residents feel and House. And don't worry: You don't have to become a desert dweller – even ~50% RH is enough to slow down unwanted "roommates" like mites. .

Goodbye humidity! Proven measures to reduce humidity

1. Ventilate properly: The simplest and most important measure against stuffy air is to get fresh air through regular ventilation . Open the windows wide several times a day (“shock ventilation for air exchange”), ideally with a draft so that humid indoor air can escape. The outside air is usually drier than the inside – even when it's raining – especially in winter. Important: Ventilate your home especially after showering, cooking, or drying laundry, so that any moisture peaks escape immediately. Tip: In summer, ventilate early in the morning and late in the evening when the outside air is cooler and drier (humidity is too high during the day). And in winter, it's better to ventilate briefly and vigorously than to leave the window open for hours (otherwise, the walls will cool down).

2. Heating and maintaining temperature: Sufficient heat At first, this sounds counterintuitive against humidity, but it helps enormously. Warm air can absorb more moisture without condensing. Maintain a constant base temperature in your home, at least ~18 °C, even in rarely used rooms. This keeps walls and corners above the dew point and prevents condensation. Especially in winter, it is recommended to Heating evenly Instead of briefly turning it up to maximum and then letting it cool down (watch out for heating costs), it's better to maintain a moderate temperature throughout. This reduces the risk of warm air condensing in cold spots – your walls will thank you! A humorous analogy: A well-heated room doesn't "sweat" as quickly as an unheated refrigerator in a sauna.

3. Minimize sources of moisture: If possible, avoid unnecessary moisture in the apartment. A few tips: wash If possible, dry outside or in a drying room instead of in the living room (wet laundry releases liters of water into the air). Cook Always use the extractor hood and cover pots. bathroom It helps to close the door when showering and then ventilate well or turn on the fan . Aquariums and indoor fountains should be covered to reduce evaporation . Many Houseplants in a room look nice, but can also increase the humidity  – it's better to distribute your "green roommates" across several rooms. In short: take a critical look at everything that causes water to evaporate and mitigate it.

4. Structural measures: If the humidity remains chronically too high despite ventilation and heating, it is worth taking a look at the building's structural integrity. Leaks ? Mold spots ? Cold bridges ? Seal leaky windows or roofs, and if necessary, have a professional check. improved insulation cold exterior walls can prevent condensation In windowless bathrooms or basements, a ventilation system may be useful. acute mold infestation it means: find the cause (usually moisture) and eliminate it – just painting over it superficially does not help Sometimes damp walls are caused by a leaking pipe or rising groundwater; these, too, must be remedied. Good building structure is half the battle against indoor humidity.

5. Home remedies vs. technology: There are various Home remedies to bind moisture and maintain low humidity. – from Salt or cat litter in bowls to chemical granulate dehumidifiers. These can provide short-term relief in very small rooms , but quickly reach their limits (and must be constantly replaced). For persistently high humidity problems, they're more of a gimmick. This is where technology comes into play: Electric dehumidifiers . They work more efficiently and effectively – more on that in the next section. It's important to combine several measures whenever possible. Regular ventilation and heating are often enough to normalize the climate. If not, technical aids are always available.

Dehumidifiers – the optimal solution for permanently dry rooms

Despite all precautions, there are situations where the humidity simply remains – be it in poorly ventilated basement , in the windowless bathroom or during humid summer weeks. If ventilation is not sufficient to reduce the humidity , the use of a dehumidifier is advisable. electric dehumidifiers a true blessing. These devices effectively remove excess water from the air and thus ensure automatically for a healthy humidity level. Why are dehumidifiers so effective? They contain a cooling system or desiccant where water condenses from the air and drips into a tank . Modern dehumidifiers work precise : They can be set to a desired humidity level and switch off when the target is reached – this prevents both “tropical air” and Overdrying . Stop drying laundry indoors : if possible, dry it in the laundry room, attic, or outside.

 

Advantages at a glance: An electric dehumidifier actively regulates humidity and thus prevents mold and moisture damage Unlike airing, it is weather-independent – it works even in rain or in enclosed rooms without windows. Especially in rooms that you can hardly ventilate (cellars, storage rooms, interior bathrooms), a dehumidifier is often no alternative . In addition, a dehumidifier improves the Indoor climate for allergy sufferers : Less humidity means fewer mites and mold spores in the air Many devices have a Laundry drying mode speeds up the drying process of clothes indoors—practical when the weather is bad outside. Best of all, modern dehumidifiers are energy-efficient and quiet enough to run in the background without disturbing your home.

A little bit of humor in all seriousness:

You could say that a dehumidifier is like a busy house elf, secretly stealing the water from the air while you go about your business. In fact, good devices are designed to permanently can be operated – with automatic defrosting in frosty conditions, automatic shutdown when the tank is full, and some can even be controlled via an app. This way, you can keep humidity under control while on vacation via your smartphone (no joke: technology makes it possible!).

Stylies dehumidifiers at a glance – drier air with Swiss design for optimal indoor climate

Now comes the freestyle: Stylies dehumidifier offer all the advantages mentioned and still look good. The Stylies brand (Swiss design quality) offers several models that are optimized for different needs and reduce humidity. Whether it's a family apartment, an allergy-prone bedroom, or a damp basement in an apartment building – here you'll find the right dehumidifier for humidity control. Below is an overview of the Stylies models and their special features:

• Stylies Matar : Powerful all-rounder with 30 liters/day Dehumidification performance  – ideal humidity for large living spaces up to approx. 50–60 m² . Thanks to intuitive LED display see at a glance what the humidity is (blue, green, red) The Matar operates energy-efficiently with the environmentally friendly refrigerant R290 and offers Auto, continuous and sleep mode (Display can be switched off) for flexible operation One Parental controls is also on board – perfect for families In short: The Matar keeps your home dry and is smart and safe to use.

 

• Stylies Jupiter : The technology champion among the Stylies dehumidifiers for the right humidity. 30 liters/day Capacity, but designed for rooms up to 60 m² . His trump card is the Wi-Fi app control : You can control Jupiter from anywhere using your smartphone and monitor humidity . It has adjustable target humidity (30–90%) and a 24-hour timer Three modes – dehumidification, fan and laundry drying – cover all purposes . Practical Roll make the 14 kg device mobile . With its anthracite-colored case and brushed platinum bezel, the Jupiter is also a real eye-catcher in modern interiors .

 

• Styles Mercure : The elegant Mid-range dehumidifier for living spaces and offices. It removes up to 20 liters of moisture per day  and keeps rooms up to approx. 40 m² dry The Mercure also has adjustable humidity targets (30–90%) and modes for normal operation, ventilation, and laundry. . What is striking is his Design : Anthracite-colored optics with an accent panel in a noble Brushed Gold – elegant and discreet at the same time . With a maximum volume of around 50 dB, it operates pleasantly quietly It is ideal for creating a comfortable atmosphere in the living room, for example, without disturbing the eye – just Swiss design meets function.

 

• Stylies Regulus : The Compact & whisper-quiet for smaller rooms. It dehumidifies up to 12 liters/day and is suitable for rooms of 20–40 m²  – perfect for bedrooms, heated basements, or bathrooms without windows. With only 45 dB Noise level, the Regulus is particularly quiet, so it's barely noticeable even at night. Despite its handy size, it offers all the features you need: hygrostat-controlled automatic operation (adjustable from 30–80%) , Continuous operation with hose connection and automatic defrosting to prevent freezing Its sleek white and gray design blends in discreetly. A tip for allergy sufferers: The Regulus not only keeps mold at bay. , but also helps in laundry room to dry clothes gently – no more damp laundry!

For a better comparison of the technical data of the Stylies dehumidifiers to ensure a healthy indoor climate, here is an overview table:

As you can see, the models differ mainly in Capacity and features . For large spaces or smart home fans, the Jupiter offers high-tech and power, while the Matar impresses as a versatile all-rounder. The Mercure scores with its elegant design and solid performance for medium-sized rooms. And the Regulus is recommended for anyone looking for a quiet, compact dehumidifier – whether for the bedroom or a small basement. What they all have in common is their reliable effectiveness against moisture and consequential damage. With a Stylies dehumidifier, you not only get a dry indoor climate, but also a piece of Swiss engineering into the house.

Conclusion: Healthy living environment made easy

No one has to sit idly by with excessive humidity in their living spaces. From proper ventilation and heating to the use of a high-quality dehumidifier, there are numerous ways to restore the indoor climate. The most important things are Constancy and control : Keep an eye on the humidity (e.g. with a hygrometer) and react before mold and other harmful substances set in. The Stylies dehumidifiers can be a valuable helper in this regard – they combine technical competence (powerful dehumidification, smart functions) with confidence in proven quality and a design that you'll be happy to have in your living room. Ultimately, it's about your Health and quality of life : A dry home is a healthy At home So, the next time you could draw a smiley face on a foggy window, remember: With the right measures—and a Stylies dehumidifier at your side, if necessary—tropical climates and damp walls will be a thing of the past. With that in mind, stay nice and dry!

But be careful:

Persistently low humidity can cause the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract to dry out. It's important to monitor indoor humidity to create a healthy and comfortable indoor climate .

FAQ block

Question 1: What is the ideal humidity in living spaces?
Answer: The optimal relative humidity is between 40% and 60%.

Question 2: How can I effectively reduce humidity?
Answer: Through regular ventilation, constant heating and the use of dehumidifiers such as the Stylies models.

Question 3: What risks does excessive humidity pose?
Answer: It can promote mold growth, damage building structures, and cause health problems such as allergies.

In relation to ideal humidity and temperature, monitor the humidity regularly!

• Pay attention to increased humidity
• Pay attention to maximum humidity
• Pay attention to low humidity

Therefore, my recommendation: Regularly measure the humidity for a pleasant and healthy indoor climate.

Expertise & Authorship

This article was created in collaboration with Stylies , the Swiss manufacturer of high-quality air conditioning units. Stylies has been synonymous with efficient and aesthetic solutions for humidification and air purification for years.

Daniel Gwerder , partner of Tavora Brands AG has been an expert in health and indoor climate for over 20 years and shares his knowledge here for free. The goal is to provide preventative help through expert knowledge to as many people as possible – sound, understandable, and practical. You can find out more about him at LinkedIn

About Stylies & Tavora: Stylies stands for innovative, energy-efficient solutions in the areas of humidification, cooling, and purification. For over 15 years, the company has been developing products that combine design and functionality – ideal for modern living spaces.
Stylies products are exclusively marketed by Tavora Brands AG , a Swiss distributor of smart home and health solutions.