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If you’ve noticed your bathroom taking longer to dry after each use, it may be worth looking at your bathroom humidity levels. Understandably one of the wettest rooms in the home, our bathrooms are also often the most humid of spaces.
Over time, particularly when not properly vented correctly, bathrooms can encounter poor air quality, resulting in damp, musty spaces. Long-term this means our bathrooms can encounter several issues if excess moisture is allowed to linger over long periods.
Here, The Bathroom Showroom discusses the importance of keeping the air quality and moisture levels in your bathroom in check. 

What is Considered Normal Bathroom Humidity? 

We’ve spoken on the blog before about the ideal bathroom temperature but another important factor in this room, perhaps even more crucial, is that of the humidity. The humidity levels in a bathroom should be between 30% to 60% with the ideal figure of 50%. 
Unfortunately, humidity levels in bathrooms can rise to as much as 100%, so having a system in place to combat this is extremely important. 

The Importance of Good Air Quality in the Bathroom

Having good air quality in your home, especially in areas like the bathroom, is essential for good health and well-being. Poor air quality can lead to a range of issues such as allergies, respiratory problems, and fungal growth. This is particularly true in bathrooms, where moisture levels are typically higher due to activities like showering and bathing.
But, moisture becomes a bigger problem in bathrooms when it's left unchecked, leading to a host of issues. Excessive moisture can cause mould and mildew, which not only looks unsightly but can also be detrimental to your health. Additionally, high humidity levels can damage fixtures and surfaces in your bathroom over time. This makes it harder to keep bathroom suites looking as good as new. 

Why Is My Bathroom So Humid?

The tell-tale signs of a humid bathroom are when you spot moisture on your bathroom surface that takes several minutes to condense. Yet, more than often, the reasons for this increase in humidity include:
  • Taking regular overly hot showers and baths
  • Leaving the bathroom floor wet after use
  • Not leaving the bathroom window open during the day and restricting good airflow
  • Not opening up the window during showering and bathing
  • Having a bathroom without an extractor fan
  • Not using the extractor fan during showering or bathing
  • Switching the extractor fan on too late during showering and bathing 
  • Switching the bathroom extractor fan off too early when finishing showering and bathing
  • Leaving wet and damp towels or robes around the bathrooms
  • Covering the radiators with wet towels and clothing

Should I Use a Dehumidifier in the Bathroom?

There are some instances in which using a dehumidifier temporarily can benefit your bathroom.
  • Mould and Mildew Prevention: Dehumidifiers effectively remove excess moisture, which is the main cause of mould and mildew growth.
  • Odour Reduction: High humidity often leads to musty smells. A dehumidifier can eliminate these by drying out the air.
  • Protection of Fixtures and Surfaces: By maintaining optimal humidity, a dehumidifier can help prevent moisture damage to paint, wallpaper, and other bathroom fixtures.
  • Improved Air Quality: Reducing humidity can lessen the presence of dust mites and other allergens that thrive in moist environments, potentially benefiting those with allergies or respiratory conditions.
  • Continuous Moisture Control: If your bathroom remains humid even when not in use (e.g. due to a leak or general high humidity in your home) a dehumidifier can provide continuous moisture control.

What Are the Safety Concerns When Using a Dehumidifier in the Bathroom?

While a dehumidifier can certainly help reduce moisture in a bathroom, it's generally not the primary or safest solution for bathroom humidity.
  • Electrical Hazard: Bathrooms are "wet zones," and electrical appliances like dehumidifiers can pose a serious safety risk if exposed to water. Many manufacturers explicitly warn against using their dehumidifiers directly in bathrooms due to the risk of electrical shock. In some regions (such as the UK) it might even be against safety regulations to use them in certain bathroom electrical zones.
  • Placement Limitations: You need to place the dehumidifier away from direct water sources (shower, basin, bath) and ensure it's plugged into a properly grounded or GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet. This can be challenging in smaller bathrooms.
  • Noise: Dehumidifiers, especially larger ones, can be noisy, which might detract from the relaxing atmosphere of a bathroom.
  • Maintenance: Dehumidifiers require regular emptying of their water collection tanks and cleaning/replacement of filters.
  • Not a Primary Solution: While they remove moisture, they don't address the source of the humidity as effectively as proper ventilation during and immediately after showering.

When Using a Bathroom Dehumidifier Might Be Useful 

  • Persistent Humidity: If your bathroom experiences high humidity levels even when it's not being used for showering (e.g. due to a general dampness problem in your home, poor insulation, or a lack of external venting options) a dehumidifier can be a good supplementary tool.
  • No Extractor Fan/Window: In older homes or bathrooms without proper external venting or windows, a dehumidifier might be the only practical option to reduce moisture. In such cases, consider non-electric moisture absorbers as a safer alternative, or place an electric dehumidifier just outside the bathroom with the door open.
  • Basement Bathrooms: These are often more prone to dampness, and a dehumidifier can be particularly helpful in controlling residual humidity.

Better Alternatives to Using a Dehumidifier in the Bathroom

The best and safest solution for managing bathroom humidity, especially during and immediately after showers/baths, is proper ventilation:
  1. Extractor Fan: An extractor fan is designed to quickly remove moist, stale air directly from the bathroom and vent it outside. This is often the most efficient and recommended method. Ensure it's adequately sized for your bathroom and has a good extraction rate.
  2. Open Windows: If your bathroom has a window, opening it fully during and after showering (for at least 10-15 minutes) is a simple and effective way to air out the space. Keep the bathroom door closed when doing this to prevent humid air from spreading to other rooms.

Do Bathroom Fans Help With Humidity?

A dehumidifier is recommended more for use in the bathroom when your humidity levels are persistently high and the room remains continually humid.
However, a bathroom extractor fan is a necessity in any bathroom and the best solution for use during showering, bathing, and for a short time afterwards. Extractor fans work well for those bathrooms that only experience raised humidity levels during showering and bathing.
At The Bathroom Showroom, we recommend every bathroom, regardless of size or whether they have a window or not, should install a good quality extractor fan. A regularly maintained ventilation system will keep your bathroom healthy long-term and work hard to prevent any potential issues occurring with problematic humidity. 
With a selection of first-class brands available, our bathroom extractor fans include those from Airflow and HiB and offer powerful ventilation solutions for all bathroom types. 

Keep Your Bathroom Healthy and Looking Great Long-Term

Overall, for continued good bathroom health, prioritise ventilation and ensure you have adequate ventilation (extractor fan or open window) in your bathroom.
If you do decide to use an electric dehumidifier, be extremely cautious about its placement and electrical connection in a wet environment. Consider placing it outside the bathroom with the door open.
Alternatively, consider non-electric options. For small bathrooms or if you're concerned about electrical safety, non-electric moisture absorbers (like desiccant crystals) can be a safe and affordable alternative.
Ultimately, assess the specific humidity issues in your bathroom and choose the solution that best addresses them safely and effectively.
For more bathroom ideas and bathroom inspiration, take a look at both our Blog and Rest & Relaxation section.
If you’re looking for further help on improving your bathroom humidity, book an appointment with The Bathroom Showroom. Experts in all things bathrooms, we can help turn your dream bathroom into a reality.