Although using a dehumidifier is an effective way to get rid of humidity in a basement, it is not the only way to go.
If you are looking for methods to keep a basement dry without a dehumidifier, you have come to the right place. I have summarized 15 methods to address this problem, and there should be some that work for you.
1. Make use of some plants
While most plants will raise the indoor humidity, some species can help remove excessive moisture. In addition, plants can also increase oxygen levels and provide aesthetic value, making them ideal basement additions.
The common humidity-absorbing houseplants include peace lily, English ivy, parlor palm, Boston fern, and spider plant.
These plants not only absorb moisture but also are happy to grow in a humid atmosphere, making your basement a suitable place for them. However, if your basement is too humid, this method may not be as effective as you expect.
2. Use silica gel
Silica gel can be found everywhere. It’s in the food package, shoe box, or handbag box. Because silica gel is porous, water molecules can adhere to it.
Place some packs of silica gel around your basement or in cabinets to keep items from rotting or mold from growing.
Silica gel is inexpensive, but it should be replaced every few weeks or months.
3. Get some charcoal briquettes
Another hygroscopic material that you can use in your basement is charcoal briquettes. Replace some of them in a bowl with holes on the bottom once every few months.
Charcoal briquettes are very affordable. Besides, it can also absorb other harmful contaminants from the air, improving indoor air quality.
4. Apply some baking soda
Baking soda is not just for cooking, and it can be used as a natural dehumidifier. Place it in a bowl and place it anywhere in the basement. It will start to absorb moisture around. When it becomes yuck, replace it.
5. Use rock salt
Rock salt (also known as sodium chloride) is a more effective substance than baking soda when it comes to getting rid of humidity in the basement.
Prepare two buckets; one should have some holes on the bottom. Place the bucket with holes on top of the other and fill the bucket above with rock salt. Rock salt will absorb moisture in the air and then the water will accumulate in the bucket below.
You must drain the water on a regular basis and refill the rock salt when it is below a certain level.
6. Run a ceiling fan
A ceiling fan will not help to reduce humidity in a basement. Instead, it can promote air circulation, allowing dry air from other areas to enter the room more quickly. It can work with an opened window to dry the basement soon.
7. Open basement windows
You can open windows a few times daily to allow the outdoor air to get into the basement.
It will generate airflow, preventing the environment from becoming stale and musty. In the meantime, it can expel excess moisture from the room.
However, you should only open the window if the outside air is dryer than the air in the basement.
8. Install an exhaust fan
Why don’t we use vent fans in our basements like we do in our bathrooms? Excess moisture will be expelled to the outside via a vent by an exhaust fan. It has a low price tag and a good performance.
9. Seal the cracks
Moisture seeps into the room through the concrete mass, walls, and windows, which is one of the causes of wet basements.
To address this issue, examine the condition of your home both inside and outside, and then fill and seal any cracks or leaks that may allow water to enter your basement.
10. Add or strengthen the insulation
Insulation can keep your basement dry. For better results, vapor diffusion retarders should be installed.
This is because insulation can stop the moisture outside from traveling to the basement and impede the heat transfer, keeping the indoor humidity level at an ideal range.
11. Dry your clothes in another way
A good proportion of people use the basement as a laundry room. If it is the case, the drier is the main culprit of dampness.
To keep the basement dry, you can reduce its use by hanging your clothes outdoors or in another room upwards.
12. Run an air conditioner
Even though it is not its primary function, an air conditioner has the effect of dehumidifying. The air drawn into the AC will pass through an evaporator coil, which will condensate the water vapor and reduce humidity.
In the summer, you can use your air conditioner to keep your basement cool and dry.
13. Modify the downspouts
You can also use a downspout extension to keep downspouts away from your basement to keep seepage at bay.
14. Install a sump pump
Having a sump pump is a great way to keep your basement from flooding and any other water damage since the sump pump will draw out the extra moisture and discharge it to the outdoors.
Even if you have a finished basement, using a sump pump could be helpful, especially if your house has had any water damage.
Conclusion
This post has shown you 14 practical ways to keep the basement dry without a dehumidifier.
Some substances such as silica gel, charcoal briquettes, baking soda, and crystal salt can be used as desiccants to absorb moisture. Some common house plants can also act as natural dehumidifiers.
Aside from that, some household appliances, such as air conditioners, sump pumps, vent fans, and ceiling fans, can help to combat dampness.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on the house’s condition and repair any leaks or cracks.
I believe you can get rid of the humidity in your basement without using a dehumidifier if you use one of the methods mentioned above.
If you have a dehumidifier, you can try to dry a room with these methods.
