One way to keep the black spots at bay is to reduce the humidity in the air with a dehumidifier.
But before you rush out to buy a store-bought dehumidifier, you could try some simple DIY dehumidifier options first.
Will a homemade dehumidifier be effective?
There's only one way to find out if your DIY humidifier is effective and that’s to measure the moisture in the air with a hygrometer.
Place the tool in the room before adding your dehumidifier, then keep an eye on the levels to see if the moisture level lowers.
5 Homemade dehumidifiers
1. Silica Gel
Don’t throw away those silica gel packets. Instead, use them to make your own dehumidifier. Grab a plastic container and poke some holes in the lid. Add the sachets and place the container where you need it. Just make sure it’s out of reach of any small hands and pets.
2. Rock Salt dehumidifier
Rock salt is another great (and cheap) option for removing moisture from the air. To make a no frills rock salt dehumidifier, you're going to need rock salt and two buckets. Pop some holes in the first bucket and place it inside your second bucket. Next, fill the top bucket with salt and voila! - you have a dehumidifier. Make sure you empty the outer bucket as it fills up with liquid.
3. Baking Soda
Is there anything that baking soda can’t do? While this will only work in a small space, like the top of wardrobe or cupboard, it’s a good option to have up your sleeve. Simply place some baking soda into a small bowl and pop it in the area you would like reduce moisture in. You will need to keep replacing the baking soda.
3. Charcoal
Another option for reducing humidity in smaller areas, charcoal works much the same as baking powder and salt. To make a dehumidifier with charcoal, grab a can and put some holes in the lid. Put your charcoal in the can and replace the lid. Place it the can wherever you think there’s extra moisture and let it work its magic.
4. Calcium Chloride
Calcium Chloride works very similarly to rock salt. If you’re wondering where you could get your hands on this chemical compound, then look no further than your local supermarket and purchase some DampRid. It comes in a hanging packet, as a bucket, or as a spreadable powder - the white crystals are calcium chloride. As the crystal absorb moisture, the crystals will harden. Each dehumidifying bag can last up to 60 days.
5. Buy more plants!
If you need an excuse to buy more plants, then this is it! While some houseplants can increase humidity, others absorb it. So if you select the right houseplant, you can reduce some of that extra moisture in your home. Think peace Lilies, palms and orchids.
