25% of homes are affected by the humidity problem. In fact, each person releases around 2.5 liters of water per day when breathing, in addition to daily activities (cooking, bathing, etc.). In winter, the problem worsens with the cold and the rain and creates real havoc. Apart from the unpleasant musty odors, this generates cracks on the walls, unsightly stains… it is also the cause of rotting of wood and furniture; but also various respiratory problems (allergies, rhinitis, asthma…). Be aware that excess humidity due to condensation, dust mites, molds… causes ailments which mainly affect children! Here are top tips for a damp proofing creating healthy atmosphere:

1- Regularly ventilate the rooms of the house! Open windows often, especially in the morning when the sun is out. The air outside is drier than that of a house, so by circulating it, you expel excess moisture. It is enough to open the windows 10 minutes a day to prevent the development of fungi.

2- Check if your windows are well sealed! You can opt for double glazing in order to maintain a high temperature inside and therefore limit condensation.

3- Install an air outlet pipe! Or place an air vent in the bathroom and kitchen door. The installation of a controlled mechanical ventilation, in particular in the rooms which do not have a window, makes it possible to suck the fresh air of the other rooms to reject it in the humid room; and this thanks to a small motor and a ventilation outlet. Remember to maintain this system with regular cleaning of the exhaust vents, filters and air inlets.

4 -Grandma's tip: Clay is a rock known for its strong absorption power. So our grandmothers recovered a plastic container, which they cut in half and placed the upper part upside down, neck down, on the lower part of the container. You have to put a cotton cloth on the entrance of the neck in which to pour about 300 gr of crushed clay.

5- Drive moisture out of your cupboards! Put newspaper in your cupboards, it will absorb moisture and then also the musty smell. Otherwise, there is also charcoal; very effective in absorbing ambient humidity. Put a few pieces in a closed box with a lid pierced with a few holes. Place the box in the cupboard and change the pieces once a week.

6- Make your own humidity absorber! It is well known that salt is a good moisture absorber! So, you need coarse cooking salt, but also: a scissor, an empty one and a half liter plastic bottle, a compress and a rubber band. Cut the bottle in half and remove the cap to replace it with the compress; by holding it with the elastic. Pour the coarse salt on the compress. Finally, put the upper part upside down, neck down, on the lower part of the bottle. Place in a humid place and against a wall. In a few days, you will notice the drops of water collected at the bottom of the lower part of the bottle.