The absence of adequate natural light in basements, coupled with an abundance of moisture, creates the perfect environment for the growth of mold and mildew. As a result of this moisture buildup potentially damaging your home’s structural supports, the situation worsens and could cost a lot to fix. This emphasizes how crucial it is to keep your basement dry.
A dehumidifier works well, but several downsides include cost, bulk, and drainage issues. If you do not like the dehumidifier option, look into our suggested substitutes for dehumidifying crawl spaces.
This blog will discuss some of these methods, including insulating vents with plastic bags, installing a vent fan in the ceiling or wall, and using a dehumidifier with an air-purifying feature.
Check our honest review, where we will go over 7 ways to keep a basement dry without using a dehumidifier. This is an essential read for anyone who has a basement and wants to have a backup option.
In this guide we’ll teach you how to keep moisture out of your basement without using a dehumidifier:
7 Ways For A Dry Basement without A Dehumidifier.
Set Houseplants Near Windows
Buy some house plants and place them by your window or near any other drafts coming from outside. House plants help remove excess moisture from the air and can also improve indoor air quality with their natural ability to filter toxins.
A few plants that work best for this purpose are Dracaena, which thrive indoors and have long canopies so they help create a “green ceiling”, as well as English ivy.
Hang Baking Soda In Plastic Bags
Baking soda is an essential find in most homes; it is also helpful in absorbing moisture from the air. You can make a makeshift dehumidifier by placing a bowl of baking soda in a room and leaving it there.
Hang plastic bags filled with baking soda from the ceiling or place them around the room. To maximize the effect, place the bags near areas that are prone to moisture such as next to your washer and dryer, under sinks, and near windows.
Use Fans in the Room
Install a ceiling fan or wall mount fan in your basement to push the moist air up and away from the floor. If you are using a portable fan, place it on top of furniture for maximum effectiveness.
Using fans is especially helpful if you have any sort of “island” in your basement where humidity becomes trapped and the humidity level rises. Make sure to cut electricity to any fans before moving them.
Purchase Carpeting Mats
To prevent moisture from seeping into the walls, purchase basement carpet mats at your local home improvement store. Place them under any furniture that is on wheels. This includes couches and dressers.
They can also be placed in areas with tile or hardwood floors to keep the wood from warping due to high humidity levels. It is also a good idea to line your crawl space with mats.
If the mats get too wet, remove them to dry and replace them. If you neglect to do this and they get too heavy, they can warp and possibly break your floorboards or tiles.
Place Damp Rid in Your Basement
Damp-rid is one of the best ways to remove moisture from your basement. You can purchase it at most home improvement stores, but be careful where you place them because they are extremely flammable. Try placing damp rid near vents or other openings outside your house that may lead into the basement.
If you have a window near your furnace or air conditioning unit, try placing one there as well since this is how the most humidity from the outside gets into your home.
Install a Vent Fan
Install a vent fan to facilitate extra airflow. This will help dry out the surrounding area and prevent dampness from building up. More airflow will allow moisture to drain out of the basement.
If you do not already have one, it is highly recommended to hire an electrician to come and check all your fans and install a new one if needed.
Install a vent fan in the ceiling or on the wall that is connected to an outside vent, this will allow warm air that has humidity in it to be pushed out of your basement. Central heating systems also push water vapor into the room so you may want to open some windows during humid weather to let out extra humidity.
Add Extra Drainage and Waterproofing
Add extra drainage with a second sump pump and add extra waterproofing to the walls. You might also consider adding a waterproof barrier to the room itself. This will help prevent water from seeping in but it can be a pricey option, so make sure you weigh your options before making this expensive upgrade. Every bit of water you prevent from entering the basement is less that needs draining.
Conclusion
Mold and mildew can grow in basements with too much moisture, posing severe hazards to your health both now and in the future. Additionally, the buildup of moisture in your home’s foundation can result in structural problems that call for expensive repairs that could cost thousands of dollars. Therefore, keeping a basement continuously dry becomes crucial. Although using a dehumidifier works well, its cost makes it necessary to look for other affordable alternatives. Desiccants, plants, ventilation systems, baking soda, charcoal, and even the straightforward installation of a fan are some of the solutions that can be used to assist in maintaining a dry basement without using a dehumidifier.
If this article has been helpful and you have any question about basement humidity, feel free to reach out! We’re happy to help provide some guidance on what will work best in your situation.
