How to Dry Up Moisture Problems in a House

Install foam door and window, seals around loose-fitting door jams and window sashes. Even the smallest cracks can allow outdoor, moisture-laden air into the home. Follow the manufacturer's directions for the correct application methods. Various sealing products will have different methods of installation.

Apply a high-quality silicone caulk to all exterior door and window trim. The mating surface between the trim boards and the home’s siding can provide a pathway for exterior air to enter the home. Over time, older caulking products can crack and fail. Maintaining a good caulk seal between these surfaces will ensure that outdoor air stays outside.

Check the exhaust ventilation on your household dryer. Ensure that there are no cracks or breaks in the vent line that goes to the exterior of the home. Dryers will exhaust large amounts of moisture during the process. This moisture must be ventilated outdoors. Refrain from drying clothes indoors on small racks. This too will release large amounts of moisture indoors while the clothes are drying.

Add extra attic insulation if the overall depth is inadequate for your area. Contact your local cooperative extension service for the correct amount of home insulation recommended for your part of the country.

Install a whole-house or room dehumidifier. In some locations, a dehumidifier may be needed no matter how tightly a house is sealed. Modern dehumidifiers can be automatically set to operate when the moisture level reaches a predetermined point. Although the appliance uses electrical power, new units are extremely energy efficient and will accurately control the humidity level. Various manufacturers have units that can remove moisture from a single room up to whole-house operations.