Humidity: the trick with coarse salt that dries out your home without a dehumidifier

In many homes, dampness invades without warning. It leaves its mark, weighs down on comfort, and causes concern when it takes hold.

Salt, a simple ally against excess water in the home

The principle is well-known and easy to implement. Salt attracts water from the air by capillary action. A simple container of coarse salt can capture some of the ambient humidity. This gesture does not replace a ventilation system, but it does help on a daily basis.

This trick has been around for a long time. It resurfaces every wet season, because it costs little and installs quickly. What’s more, feedback shows that salt is best suited to small rooms and closets. For larger volumes, the strategy needs to be reinforced.

How do I go about it? Fill a bowl or improvised funnel with coarse salt. Place it high up on a stable shelf, away from splashes. Change the salt as soon as it becomes compact and damp, generally every one or two weeks depending on humidity levels.

“A bowl of coarse salt doesn’t replace a VMC, but it does help you get back on track room by room.”

Using salt at home, step by step

Start by targeting high-risk areas. These often include bathrooms, laundry rooms, hallways and closets. This way, you concentrate the salt’s action where moisture stagnates most. Also, elevate the container to avoid contact with sensitive surfaces.

Keep an eye on developments over the next few days. Clumping salt is a sign of water capture in progress. However, if walls are oozing or mold is quickly returning, the moisture is beyond the salt trick. In this case, complete the process with aeration and targeted repairs.

• Air for 10 minutes each morning and evening.
• Heat evenly, to around 19°C.
• Avoid drying clothes indoors.
• Cover pans during cooking.
• Locate and correct any water leaks.

Precautions, warning signs and complementary solutions

Black marks, a musty smell or fogging up of windows often indicate excess humidity. A hygrometer can help you assess the situation. Aim for between 40% and 60%, depending on the room. If the discrepancy persists, switch to more effective means.

SilverCrest – SLE 200 B3 air dehumidifier. This electric model, priced at around €99.00, offers fast action with a removable reservoir and simple settings to relieve everyday humidity.

Act on the causes at the same time. Check ventilation systems and clean extract units. In addition, limit the amount of water entering the house, and identify any infiltrations. As a result, salt becomes an adjunct, not the only answer.

Aquafloow – Aquafloow 280g Refill universal moisture absorber. This 6-pack of 280g each fits into dedicated boxes, for a passive solution at around €18.99 suitable for closets and small surfaces.

Sustainable home improvement

First and foremost, look for the source of the water ingress. A damaged shower seal, a blocked gutter or infiltration through the roof may be all that’s needed. This way, you get to the root of the problem and reduce humidity at source. Then consolidate with regular air renewal.

Limpro – Limpro dehumidifier. The 2 x 900 g pack is designed for smaller rooms, with quick installation and no need for plugging in, and is useful as a supplement when humidity levels remain moderate.

Salt needs to be used with care. It can corrode metals, stain surfaces and attract pets. So use firm, stable containers, out of the reach of children. In short, adapt the tip to the humidity level and the room.

Frequently asked questions and practical advice

When will I see an effect? Allow 24 to 48 hours for the first improvements in a small space. Then, renew the salt when it becomes saturated. This way, you maintain a regular action against humidity. Keep an eye on odor and condensation.

Where to place the container? Aim for quiet, splash-free areas. Avoid electrical appliances, fragile surfaces and high-traffic areas. Also, keep salt away from the kitchen when cooking generates a lot of steam, as efficiency drops rapidly.

When to ask for help If walls remain damp, paint is blistering, or mold is multiplying, a diagnosis is in order. A professional can check ventilation, insulation and leaks. In this way, you can identify the cause and reduce dampness over the long term.

• humidity