Remedies for Dry Air Other Than a Humidifier

Track the Humidity

• Before employing any remedy for adding humidity to your home, you should know the current relative humidity indoors. You don't want to raise the humidity above 50 percent, which can lead to mildew growth in your home, but you want it to be at least 30 percent for comfort. A hygrometer measures relative humidity. The device can help you determine if you need more or less humidity. You can move the device from room to room to check the humidity levels before and after you use a remedy other than a humidifier.

In the Kitchen

• In the kitchen, you can create humidity by boiling water on the stove instead of heating it in the microwave. Whenever you need to cook meat or any other dish that requires added water, do it on the stove where it will create steam and release moisture into the air. If you have a dishwasher, open the door after the wash cycle and before the dry cycle to let the moisture out and dry the dishes naturally. As an added bonus, this trick will also save you money on your electric bill.

In the Bathroom

• When you take a shower or a bath, leave the bathroom door open so the humidity spreads into your home. After you finish bathing, leave the water in the tub until it cools. As the water cools, it evaporates into the air. According to the Australian company Healthy House, an average shower produces nearly a cup of humidity, while a bath produces about a quarter cup.

Other Rooms

• After washing your clothes, hang the clothes to dry around the house instead of using the dryer. As the wash dries, the water evaporates into the air. Place small bowls filled with water near heating vents throughout the house to provide humidity. If you like fresh flowers, vases of water with cut flowers provide humidity. Your pet's water dish also adds a small amount of humidity to the air, so keep it full.