Problem Overflow

Smoke, smells and damp getting into your apartment, and how renters stop them.

Damp & musty

You don't know how humid your home should be

Easy · About 10 minutes

Where I am
It feels muggy, but you can't say how muggy.
Where I want to be
A number you can aim for.
What's in the way
You can't see humidity, and guessing is hard.

Try this first, free: Look at the corners of your ceilings and windows. Fogged glass is a hint the air is damp.

The fix

  1. Place a cheap humidity gauge in the room where you smell damp, away from the shower and the stove.
  2. Check it morning and night for a few days.
  3. A common target is between 30 and 50 percent. Higher than that, mold likes it.
  4. If it's high, ventilate, wipe up water, and consider a dehumidifier.

What this won't fully fix: A gauge only tells you the number. It doesn't change it.

What to get

These open an Amazon search, so you can pick the one that fits. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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