A garage is often used as an extra room for storage or as a workshop. However, if the garage is not properly ventilated, it can quickly become humid and uncomfortable. In this blog post, I will show you how to reduce humidity in your garage without a dehumidifier.
Common Sources of Humidity In a Garage:
There are a few common sources of humidity in a garage. One source is that garages are often attached to homes and share the same climate control system. This can lead to humidity being transferred from the home into the garage.
Another common source of humidity in garages is the use of concrete floors. Concrete is a porous material and will absorb water from the air. This can lead to high humidity levels in the garage, especially during winter months when the air is colder and more humid.
Also, rainwater and melting snow can often drip into garages, leading to higher humidity levels. So, it is important to be aware of the sources of humidity in a garage and take proper steps to address them.
What Causes Excess Humidity and Condensation in a Garage?
There are a few reasons why garages tend to have high humidity levels and experience condensation. Poor ventilation is often the main culprit, as it can trap moisture in the air.
If your garage isn’t properly insulated, that can also lead to higher humidity levels. And finally, if there’s much activity in the garage (such as cars driving in and out), that can create a lot of heat and moisture.
Below is the list of 11 common causes of excess humidity in a garage:
- Poor ventilation
- Insufficient insulation
- Activity in the garage
- Working on a car
- Using a gas heater in the garage
- Leaking water pipes or fixtures
- A poorly sealed garage door
- Garbage cans that are not covered
- House plants that are placed in the garage
- Clothes dryers that are vented into the garage
- People smoke in the garage.
9 Tips How to Reduce Humidity In Garage Without Dehumidifier
When the humidity is high in your garage, it can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Here are some tips to reduce the humidity in your garage without a dehumidifier.
1) Open the garage door as often as possible:
The garage door should be opened as often as possible to allow fresh air. This will help improve the air quality in the garage and prevent any build-up of fumes or pollutants.
By allowing fresh air to circulate, you can reduce the amount of moisture in the air, which can cause mold and mildew growth. Additionally, proper ventilation can help prevent musty odors from building up in the space.
2) Clean your garage with an Antimicrobial:
If you are looking to clean your garage but also reduce the humidity in the space, consider using an antimicrobial product. This will help kill any mold or mildew that may be growing and reduce the amount of moisture in the air.
You can use this product on all surfaces, including concrete, metal, wood, and plastic. Also, check the weather forecast before you start cleaning, as humidity levels will be higher in the days following rain.
3) Install a fan to circulate the air:
If you are looking to reduce humidity levels in your garage without using a dehumidifier, using fans to circulate air is an effective solution. By circulating air throughout the space, you can reduce moisture levels and make it more comfortable to work in.
Also, be sure to open the garage door when possible to allow fresh air in and help reduce humidity levels. You can use a fan to push the air out of the garage if you prefer.
4) Store items that give off moisture:
Adding plants or flowers to your garage can help reduce humidity levels and make the space more comfortable. Without a dehumidifier, this is a low-cost way to improve the air quality in your garage.
Be sure to choose plants that are moisture-tolerant and won’t require much care. You can also try using a humidifier to keep the humidity levels in your garage more consistent.
5) Keep garage well ventilated:
Garages are often susceptible to high humidity levels, which can cause several problems such as mold and mildew growth, corrosion, and rust. Proper ventilation can be done by installing a garage exhaust fan or opening windows and doors.
So ensure your garage is well-ventilated and no water leakage or standing water. You can also use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity, but make sure it is the correct size for your garage.
Read: How Long Does A Dehumidifier Take To Work Properly
6) Use a wet/dry vacuum:
You can use a wet/dry vacuum to reduce humidity levels in a garage without needing a dehumidifier. The warm, moist air will be drawn out of the garage and replaced with cooler, drier air by attaching the vacuum’s hose to the exhaust fan.
Also, using a wet/dry vacuum in your garage can help to keep the floors and tools clean and free of moisture.
7) Keep the garage clean and organized:
A garage is commonplace for humidity to build up. This can cause problems with the items stored in the garage and make the space uncomfortable.
One way to reduce humidity in the garage is to keep it clean and organized. This means removing any clutter and keeping surfaces clear. It also helps to have a system for organizing items, so everything has a place and can be easily accessed.
8) Put a moisture barrier on the floor:
If you are experiencing high humidity levels in your garage, one way to combat this is to put a moisture barrier on the floor. This will help reduce the humidity that enters the garage and make it more comfortable to work in. With proper moisture control, you can keep your garage looking and functioning at its best.
9) Install insulation in the attic:
There are many benefits to installing insulation in the attic, chief among them being keeping the heat out and reducing humidity levels. Proper insulation can also help improve your home’s energy efficiency, making it a more cost-effective place to live in the long run.
If you’re considering adding insulation to your home, consult with a professional about what type of insulation would be best for your specific needs.
10) Preventing water from entering
If there is any wet item in the garage, it will evaporate inside the garage and raise humidity inside including cars and any other larger wet items. It is important to wipe everything off and ensure it is dry before shutting the garage door.
11) Better drainage system
Having a good drainage system that allows the residual water to evaporate and soak up before closing the garage door goes a long way in preventing humidity. Having a dedicated pipe way for residual waste water to pass out of the garage is necessary to minimize dampening.
13) Adding more windows
Adding more windows or having any source of circulation air will help prevent humidity build-up in a garage. A proper source of wind circulation will keep the place from dampening and leave the place dry enough so that there is no need for any residual water absorption. Residual water evaporating in a closed garage will promote bacteria build-up, dampen and increase humidity.
14) Remove any indoor plants
Since plants give off oxygen, it is important to rid of any plants in the garage in order to prevent humidity. It will leave the place feeling damp and soggy. A process known as evapotranspiration increases humidity if the place is closed for a prolonged time.
15) Using exhausts
Using exhaust fans to suck in moisture and release it outside. Exhausts are very good at dehumidifying an area very quickly. These can be a quick and inexpensive form of dehumidifier, however, it needs to be turned on for longer hours in order to prevent humidity.
16) Prevent any form of heating
Anything that gives off heat will promote humidity in an enclosed space such as a garage. Whether it is a dryer or an electrical device or appliance, anything that gives off heat will encourage a damp and soggy environment, therefore, causing more humidity.
17) Prevent leaks
Any form of leaking is also another source of humidity. In order to keep the environment cool and not humid, fixing any leaks will help a lot. It will increase moisture and promote humidity and build-up of mold as well.
People Also Ask(FAQs)
How to reduce humidity in a garage in winter?
There are a few ways to reduce humidity in a garage during winter. One popular way is to open the door and let the cold air in, lowering the overall temperature and causing the humidity to drop. Another way is to use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air. If you choose to use a dehumidifier, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully so that you do not damage the unit or your home.
Will a fan help with humidity in a garage?
A fan can help reduce humidity in a garage, but it is not always necessary. If the garage is well-ventilated, a fan may not be necessary. If the garage is not well-ventilated, using a fan can help to circulate the air and reduce humidity levels.
How can I control the humidity in my garage?
You can take basic steps to control humidity levels in your garage, such as opening the windows and doors and using a fan. You can also open your air conditioning unit filters and run them on a low or medium setting to help reduce humidity levels.
What is the ideal humidity for a garage?
The ideal humidity for a garage is around 40%-50%. Too low of a humidity level can lead to condensation on the walls and ceilings, while too high of a humidity level can cause mold and mildew to grow. Moreover, a low humidity level can lead to poor air circulation, making it difficult for items in the garage to stay dry.
Why is my garage full of condensation?
A few things could cause your garage to be filled with condensation. One possibility is that the temperature in your garage is too high, which can cause the moisture in the air to turn into droplets.
Another possibility is that there’s a leak in the roof or walls of your garage, which allows moisture to seep in. If you don’t have any other problems in your home, you may just need to adjust the temperature in your garage a bit to fix the issue.
Conclusion
There are many ways to reduce humidity in your garage without using a dehumidifier. Follow these tips to reduce the humidity in your garage and keep it clean and safe.
Keep in mind that humidity levels will vary depending on the time of year and your geographic location. So, it’s a bet to use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels in your garage. Also, I recommend using a dehumidifier in your garage if the humidity levels are above 50%.
