How to Get Humidity Out of a Basement

Humid conditions in the home create a prime environment for the development of mold and mildew. Basements often retain humidity due to lack of air circulation or less usage of humidity-controlling heat and air conditioning. Controlling the air moisture level in your basement is important to the cleanliness and sanitation of the room whether you use the space daily or once in awhile. Fortunately, there are ways to get humidity out of a basement to protect it from damage.

Caulk
Caulking gun
Electric fan
Dehumidifier
Cleaning cloths

Instructions

- 1
  Check to make sure your dryer is venting outdoors. A loose hose connection or gap in the dryer vent allows moisture to seep into the basement.
- 2
  
  Tiny cracks and crevices should be sealed with caulk.
  
  Add caulk to a caulking gun. Caulk around basement windows and doorways as needed to seal tiny openings that allow humid air to enter the room.
- 3
  Close all basement windows and doors. While you might expect open windows to help remove excess air moisture, open windows allow humidity to come in from the outdoors.
- 4
  Run an electric fan to circulate the air. Air that's stagnant and heavy in the basement keeps moisture in the air. Point the fan toward the basement steps to allow moisture to escape upstairs.
- 5
  Control the humidity level with a dehumidifier. Check the water tank often to empty it out and keep the dehumidifier running.
- 6
  Wipe up spills from a basement laundry room quickly with cleaning cloths. A small amount of water on the floor may seem inconsequential but ends up evaporating into the air.

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