How Do You Reduce Humidity in Your House? 8 Expert Tips

DEC 03, 2025

275 views, 5 mins read

Dealing with high humidity in your home can be frustrating, especially in Australia’s warm and humid summer months. Whether you live on the coast or in a tropical region, it’s likely that you’ve experienced the discomfort of sticky air, condensation on your windows, or even mold growth in damp areas.

So, how do you reduce humidity in your house? In this guide, we’ll explore practical and easy ways to reduce indoor humidity, improve air quality, and make your home feel more comfortable.

From using dehumidifiers to simple ventilation techniques, we’ve got you covered with tips that are perfect for Australia’s unique climate.

In this article

1. What Causes High Humidity in Your Home? 2. How Do I Reduce Humidity in My House? 3. FAQs about Humidity

What Causes High Humidity in Your Home?

So, why is your house feeling like a rainforest? In Australia, it usually comes down to a few key factors:

1. Our Climate: This is the big one. If you live in Northern Territory, Queensland, or along the NSW coast, you’re in a naturally high-humidity zone (Source 1.3). Your home is constantly battling the moisture-laden air outside.

2. Everyday Activities: We generate a surprising amount of moisture just by living! Think about it:

Showering: Steamy bathrooms with inadequate ventilation.
Cooking: Boiling water, simmering pots, and using your kettle.
Drying Clothes: Hanging wet laundry indoors, especially during rainy or cooler periods.
Breathing and Sweating: Even the humans and pets in the house contribute to the moisture level.

3. Lack of Ventilation: Modern homes are often well-insulated to save energy, which is great for temperature control but can trap moisture inside. If you don't have proper exhaust fans or don't open windows enough, that indoor moisture has nowhere to go.

4. Plumbing Issues: Hidden leaks in pipes or areas where water collects, like in bathrooms or basements, can introduce unwanted moisture.

How Do I Reduce Humidity in My House?

The good news is that tackling humidity doesn’t require a full renovation. There are plenty of cost-effective, practical ways to reduce the humidity in your house.

Way 1. Use a Dehumidifier

One of the most efficient ways to reduce humidity in your home is by using a dehumidifier. These devices are designed to pull moisture out of the air, reducing the overall humidity level. They are particularly useful in areas like basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms—places where humidity tends to build up.

In Australia’s coastal and tropical regions, where humidity levels can reach as high as 70%, a dehumidifier can make a noticeable difference.

One great option for reducing humidity in your home is the Newentor Dehumidifier. Specifically designed to handle high humidity levels, the Newentor Dehumidifier is an excellent choice for Australian households, especially in areas like Queensland or along the coasts, where humidity can often reach uncomfortable levels of 70% or more.

Way 2. Utilise Your Air Conditioning

Does aircon reduce humidity? The answer is a big yes.

Newentor Portable Air Conditioner are designed to cool the air, and a natural part of that process is drawing moisture out. You’ve seen the water dripping from your outdoor unit—that's the humidity it's removed from your indoor air.

If the temperature is comfortable but the air feels heavy, run the aircon for a little longer. Many modern split systems have a "Dry" or "Dehumidify" mode specifically for this purpose, which cools the air less while still removing moisture.

Way 3. Ventilate During and After Moisture-Producing Activities

This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce humidity without using a machine.

In the Kitchen: Always use the exhaust fan while cooking, especially when boiling water. Keep it running for 5-10 minutes after you’re finished to clear the remaining steam. If you don't have an exhaust fan, open a nearby window.
In the Bathroom: Turn the exhaust fan on before you hop in the shower and leave it running for at least 15-20 minutes after you’re done. If your fan isn't effective, consider upgrading it. A gap under the door also helps the fan draw air.

Way 4. Avoid Drying Laundry Indoors

We all do it, especially when the rain is pouring down. But hanging a full load of wet washing in your lounge room is like running a huge humidifier! This is a major contributor to high humidity and mould growth in specific rooms.

Use a Clothes Dryer: If you must dry indoors, use a vented clothes dryer or a heat pump dryer, which is more energy-efficient and collects the water.
Outside is Best: On a nice day, get that laundry outside on the line!

Way 5. Seal Air Leaks and Use Weatherstripping

Unwanted air coming in from outside, especially during a humid Australian summer storm, brings all that extra moisture with it.

Check Windows and Doors: Inspect your window and door frames for gaps. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal these areas.
Under the House: If you have a sub-floor space, ensure it is well-ventilated to prevent ground moisture from seeping up into your living areas.

Way 6. Introduce Better Airflow and Circulation

Stagnant air is often damp air. Simply moving the air around can help you reduce humidity in rooms like bedrooms or basements.

Fans: Use ceiling fans or portable pedestal fans. They don't technically remove humidity, but they increase air circulation, which helps sweat evaporate and makes the air feel much cooler and less sticky.
Open Windows Strategically: When the outside humidity is lower than the inside (which often happens in the evenings or on dry, sunny winter days in southern states), open windows on opposite sides of the house for a good cross-breeze.

Way 7. Remove Water-Trapping Items

Some items in your home love to hold onto moisture, keeping your humidity levels unnecessarily high.

Check the Carpet: If you have carpet in a consistently damp area (like a sub-floor apartment or a basement), it can act like a sponge. Consider switching to hard flooring like tiles or timber, which are less porous and easier to keep dry.
Limit Indoor Plants: While indoor plants are lovely, they release moisture back into the air through a process called transpiration. If you have a serious humidity problem, move some of your larger, thirstier plants outdoors temporarily.

Way 8. Use Absorbent Materials

If you’re dealing with smaller spaces, such as closets or cabinets, you can use absorbent materials to draw moisture from the air. Silica gel, activated charcoal, and even moisture-absorbing bags are great options. Place them in areas where moisture tends to accumulate, and they will help reduce the humidity.

These materials are particularly useful in high-humidity areas like the garage or basement, where ventilation might be limited.

FAQs about Humidity

1. What is normal humidity in a house?

Normal indoor humidity levels should fall between 30% and 50%. Anything above this can make your home feel uncomfortable, and increase the risk of mold and other moisture-related issues.

2. Is 70% humidity too high for a house?

Yes, 70% relative humidity is definitely too high. At this level and above, you create a perfect environment for mould and mildew growth, which can start appearing within 24–48 hours.

3. Does turning the heat on reduce humidity?

In some circumstances, yes. Heating the air allows it to hold more moisture, which lowers the relative humidity (the percentage). In colder climates, heating can sometimes dry out the air. However, in an already humid climate like much of Australia, simply turning the heater on might make the air feel hot and sticky. It’s better to use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier, as they actively remove the moisture.

Bottom Lines

Reducing humidity in your Australian home doesn’t have to be difficult. In this guide, we’ve shared 8 effective methods, with the dehumidifier being the most efficient solution.

The Newentor Dehumidifier is a standout choice, removing up to 25L of moisture per day and covering up to 80m².

With its easy mobility, quiet operation, and washable air filter, the Newentor Dehumidifier helps create a more comfortable, cleaner, and healthier living space.