The Plant Journal
How to Increase Humidity in a Room: 10 Cheap and Easy Ways
Dry indoor air is common during winter and in heated or air-conditioned homes. If you are wondering how to increase humidity in a room, the quickest option is a properly sized humidifier, but several cheap and easy habits can also add moisture to dry air.
This guide separates dependable whole-room methods from small plant-focused techniques so you can choose the right approach without making your home excessively damp.
Quick answer: Use a room humidifier for the fastest, most controllable result. For inexpensive alternatives, air-dry laundry, letting shower steam reach an adjoining room, cook normally on the stovetop, or place a wide bowl of water in a secure location.
Before you begin · 01
Measure the room before adding moisture
A hygrometer is an inexpensive meter that tells you whether the room is actually dry. Aim for roughly 45% to 55% relative humidity. If you see condensation on windows or dampness on walls, reduce the moisture and check for ventilation or leak problems.
- Measure first: Do not rely only on how the air feels.
- Watch for condensation: Persistent dampness can encourage mold. Usually 60%-65%+ humidity indoors it too high and can be a concern for mold buildup.
- Choose the right method: Whole-room methods and plant-only methods produce very different results.
Whole-room methods · 02
Start with the methods that make the biggest difference
1. Use a room humidifier
Best for: Fast, dependable whole-room humidity. This it the outright best option.
A humidifier is the most dependable way to raise humidity throughout a room. Choose one rated for the size of your space, place it where air can circulate, and monitor the hygrometer so you do not over-humidify.
Empty and refill the tank with fresh water regularly, clean the unit according to its instructions, and use distilled or demineralized water when the manufacturer recommends it.
2. Air-dry laundry indoors
Best for: A free, temporary humidity boost.
Hang damp clothes on a drying rack instead of using the dryer. As the water evaporates, it adds moisture to the room while saving energy. Keep the rack away from walls and fabrics, and stop if you notice condensation or musty odors.
3. Let shower steam reach a nearby room
Best for: A quick boost in an adjoining space.
After a shower, leave the bathroom door open for a short time so some moisture can move into the adjoining space. Use this method only when the bathroom and nearby rooms are free of mold or persistent condensation. Run the exhaust fan when excess moisture needs to be removed.
4. Cook on the stovetop
Best for: Adding a little moisture during normal meal preparation.
Normal stovetop cooking releases moisture into the air. Soups, pasta, and other water-based meals can provide a modest humidity boost. Always supervise the stove, use your range hood when required for safety, and never leave a pot boiling solely to humidify an unattended room.
5. Place wide bowls of water in safe locations
Best for: Slow, inexpensive evaporation.
A wide, shallow container exposes more water to the air than a narrow glass and allows gradual evaporation. Put it on a stable, waterproof surface away from children, pets, electronics, and walkways. This method is inexpensive, although it will not raise humidity as quickly as a humidifier.
Plant-focused methods · 03
Create humidity where your plants need it
6. Group houseplants together
Best for: Creating a small humid microclimate around plants.
Plants release small amounts of moisture through transpiration. Grouping them can create a slightly more humid microclimate around their leaves, which may help humidity-loving plants. It usually will not make a major difference across an entire room, so use a hygrometer rather than relying on how the air feels.
7. Make a pebble tray
Best for: Localized moisture around one or two plants.
Fill a shallow tray with pebbles, add water below the tops of the stones, and place the plant pot above the waterline. Keep the potting soil out of standing water to avoid accidental overwatering, and clean the tray regularly.
8. Use a humidity dome for small plants
Best for: Seedlings, propagations, and small tropical plants.
A clear humidity dome traps moisture in a limited space. Open it regularly for fresh air and watch for mold, rot, or excessive condensation. A dome changes the plant's immediate environment, not the humidity of the whole room.
9. Build a small terrarium
Best for: Compatible small plants that prefer consistent humidity.
A terrarium recycles moisture as water evaporates and condenses inside the container. Match the plants' light and airflow needs, and avoid placing a closed terrarium in strong direct sun.
10. Reduce unnecessary air leaks
Best for: Helping a room retain the humidity you add.
Dry outdoor air entering around drafty windows and doors can make it harder to maintain comfortable indoor humidity. Weatherstripping and removable draft blockers can reduce those leaks. Do not block intentional ventilation, combustion-air openings, or exhaust systems.
Budget approach · 04
The cheapest ways to add moisture to dry air
The most affordable options use moisture already produced during normal household activities:
- Air-dry laundry on a rack.
- Let safe shower steam reach an adjoining room briefly.
- Cook water-based meals on the stovetop.
- Place a wide bowl of water in a secure location.
- Reduce unnecessary drafts around windows and doors.
Without a humidifier: Combine several low-cost methods and measure the results. These approaches work best for small spaces or localized plant humidity. For consistently dry rooms, a properly sized humidifier remains the most controllable solution.
Plant care · 05
Humidity and houseplants
Many common houseplants can adapt to typical indoor humidity, while some tropical plants appreciate a more humid microclimate. Measure the room first, avoid prolonged condensation, and check the needs of each species.
Explore our tropical foliage plants or browse all available plants to find options suited to your space.
Signs that indoor air may be too dry
- Static electricity
- A consistently low hygrometer reading
- Houseplant leaves developing dry or crispy edges
These symptoms can have several causes. Confirm the humidity level before adding moisture, and also check watering, light, temperature, and drafts.
Quick reference · 06
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to increase humidity?
For an entire room, a clean, properly sized humidifier is the fastest and most controllable choice. Air-drying laundry and ordinary cooking can provide a smaller temporary boost. Pebble trays, plant grouping, domes, and terrariums are better for localized plant humidity than for changing a whole house.
Can indoor humidity be too high?
Yes. Too much humidity can cause condensation and encourage mold. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping indoor relative humidity below 60% and ideally between 40% and 50%. If windows, walls, or pipes stay damp, reduce the humidity and address the source of the moisture.
References · 07
Sources and further reading
Start with the room, then support the plants
Measure the humidity first. Then combine one whole-room method with a localized plant option when needed. This gives you more control without making the space excessively damp.
Ready to find plants suited to your home? Explore all available houseplants.
