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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

How Does a Dehumidifier Work?

A dehumidifier works by pulling excess moisture from the air into its system and extracting the water vapour. The extracted moisture is then collected in a removable tank, which can be emptied regularly. Some dehumidifiers also have the option of connecting a hose so that the collected moisture can be directly drained. 
By removing excess humidity from the air, a bathroom dehumidifier prevents mould and mildew growth, eliminates musty odours, and helps to protect your bathroom from moisture-related damage. A dehumidifier can control moisture levels and bring the humidity of the space back into balance in order to create a healthier and more comfortable environment.

The Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier in Your Bathroom

Prevents Mould and Mildew: Excessive moisture is a breeding ground for mould and mildew. By reducing humidity levels, a dehumidifier inhibits the growth of these harmful substances, keeping your bathroom clean and healthy.
Eliminates Musty Odours: Have you ever walked into a bathroom that gives off a musty smell? That odour is often a result of high humidity levels. A dehumidifier removes the excess moisture from the air, leaving your bathroom smelling fresh and clean.
Protects Fixtures and Surfaces: High humidity can cause damage to surfaces, fixtures, and paint in your bathroom. By maintaining optimal moisture levels, a dehumidifier helps to preserve the integrity of your bathroom and prevent costly repairs.
Improves Air Quality: A dehumidifier helps to filter the air in your bathroom, removing allergens and pollutants. This creates a healthier environment, especially for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.

Do Bathroom Fans Help With Humidity?

A dehumidifier is recommended more for use in the bathroom when your humidity levels are persistently high. This means those times when everyone is using the shower or bath yet 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

Using a dehumidifier in your bathroom can greatly help improve the overall air quality and moisture levels when the humidity becomes problematic. By controlling humidity and preventing mould and mildew growth, a dehumidifier becomes an essential tool in maintaining a clean and healthy bathroom, ultimately making it a more comfortable and hygienic space for all members of the home.
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.