How to dry a room without a dehumidifier – experts tips for tackling damp without the expense

Dealing with damp and condensation in your home can be a difficult feat if you're on a budget. While a dehumidifier will often be the first solution that comes to mind, they may not always be affordable nor practical for your specific circumstance, leaving you with limited options for moisture control. Luckily, there are a handful of ways to dry a room without a dehumidifier that are easy, budget-friendly, and do the job.

Although it's undeniable that none of these methods will be as effective as enlisting the help of one of the best dehumidifiers – especially if you're tackling severe moisture issues – they're a step in the right direction to getting rid of damp. In some cases, however, these options might be even more suitable if the areas in need of attention are places where a dehumidifier simply isn't viable, such as a bathroom or a small closet space.

1. Increase ventilation

Boosting ventilation inside your home is one of the oldest methods in the book to dry a room without a dehumidifier, as it allows moisture to escape. The easiest way? Simply open a window. 'By opening your windows regularly for as little as 10 minutes a time, you can air out your home as the fresh dry breeze will quickly absorb moisture from your spaces,' says Sam Tamlyn, managing director at Shutterly Fabulous.

'This has also come to be known as 'burping your home', involving the release of the condensation present within your home, allowing fresh air to circulate , in turn preventing the growth of mould,' continues Sam.

Although the general rule of thumb is to keep windows closed when using a dehumidifier, if you don't have a dehumidifier in the first place, this doesn't apply.

2. Use salt lamps or place bowls of salt

Another old school method is utilising everyday items from your cupboard, such as salt, as a quick and affordable fix to dealing with minor moisture issues like window condensation. Simply put salt in a bowl and place it on your windowsill. This is a TikTok hack we saw making the rounds at the beginning of last year, and it's since stuck around, with other variations such as using baking soda becoming commonplace too.

Following the salt method, another alternative people have opted for is a salt lamp. Although we've since debunked that they cannot replace a dehumidifier entirely for major moisture problems, salt lamps do have minimal dehumidifying properties. We wouldn't be able to advise in good conscience to buy a salt lamp for the purpose of combatting rising damp in your home, but they can be a good addition alongside other effective solutions.

3. Don't let your home get below 15°C

Although energy costs are high at the moment, Nicholas Auckland, Trade Radiators' heating and energy expert stresses the importance of making sure our homes don't get too cold.

'When your home gets cold, there's more cold surfaces, meaning there's more surface area for warm air to land on and create condensation. This makes your home damp and moist, which can create the perfect breeding ground for excessive mould growth,' he cautions. 'Ideally, the perfect home temperature is around 18-21°C. 18°C is the ideal temperature for bedrooms, as a slightly cooler temperature is best for sleeping. For some, 16°C is warm enough.'

While electric heaters are becoming many people's preferred method for keeping warm in a pinch, it might be well worth considering turning on the heating soon to avoid future issues of damp down the line.

4. Minimise moisture-causing habits

Oftentimes, damp is actually caused by habits we don't even realise are contributing massively to the issue. This includes things such as drying laundry indoors, taking hot showers, and cooking. Of course, it's not possible to avoid these actions as they're part of our daily routines, but being aware of them and ensuring you're offsetting the effects will pay off in the long run.

'If you've got laundry hanging around inside, try to keep it in a single room with a window open. The moisture from wet clothes has to go somewhere, and it's better if it heads out the window than into your walls. A small fan in that room can keep air moving, too, which helps with drying,' advises Jason Wise at EarthWeb. Alternatively, investing in one of the best heated clothes airers can help you dry clothes fast indoors. On average, a heated airer might be a tad more affordable than getting your hands on a best in class dehumidifier.

Additionally, if you're cooking or showering, Nicholas reminds us to use extractor fans or crack windows open during or after to significantly reduce the amount of steam inside the room. These small changes can make a big difference in keeping your home dry.

5. Use non-electric moisture absorbers

Although there's often a toss up between a dehumidifier and a moisture absorber, suffice to say, the clear winner is definitely the former. However, if you're looking to reduce moisture in rooms or areas where a dehumidifier simply isn't viable, that's where a moisture absorber will take the cake.

Our favourite moisture absorber we've tried is the Absodry Duo Family, which we've raved about because of its budget price and good looks. It's available in four colours and is a fantastic option if you're looking for an alternative for a dehumidifier in a bathroom, as its absorption power is done using crystals – not electricity.

Another favourite of mine in particular is the Bostik Breathe dehumidifier, which mimics a similar non-electric system but instead of crystals, utilises a two-tablet system. I've got mine set up in my bathroom, and it does a brilliant job at absorbing all the excess moisture in the space.

Shop moisture absorbers

Although dehumidifiers will more or less always be the most effective way to dry out damp walls and manage indoor humidity levels, the above methods are proof that it is possible to dry a room without one so long as you're consistent and willing to get a little creative. You might not get the exact results you're after, but every little effort can help.

By combining these different budget-friendly methods, you can keep your home feeling dry and comfortable even in the height of the wet winter months.