Kitchen Humidity: Simple Ways to Keep Moisture Under Control

If you’ve ever wiped steam off the cupboards after a big cooking session, you know how annoying kitchen humidity can be. Too much moisture can fog windows, make cabinets swell, and even cause mould if you ignore it. The good news? You don’t need a full remodel to fix the problem. A handful of practical steps can lower the moisture level and keep your kitchen comfortable.

Why Kitchen Humidity Happens

Most of the steam in a kitchen comes from boiling water, simmering sauces, and the steam that escapes when you wash dishes. When that steam has nowhere to go, it condenses on surfaces and raises the relative humidity. Older homes often have weak ventilation, so the steam hangs around longer. Even a working extractor fan can lose efficiency if the filter or duct gets clogged, meaning less air is pulled out.

Another hidden source is hidden leaks – a dripping pipe under the sink or a loose faucet can add moisture continuously. Finally, everyday habits like leaving the oven door open after baking or covering pots tightly can trap steam inside the cooking zone.

Practical Ways to Reduce Moisture

1. Use the extractor fan correctly. Turn it on before you start cooking, keep it running while you cook, and let it run a few minutes after you finish. If the fan sounds weak, check the carbon filter. A quick clean or replacement can restore suction. Also, inspect the duct for blockages; a short piece of flexible brush can clear dust and grease buildup.

2. Open a window or door. Fresh air is the cheapest dehumidifier. Even a small crack lets moist air escape and brings in drier outside air. If you live in a cold climate, open a window for a few minutes after a heavy cooking session to avoid heating costs.

3. Keep lids off when boiling. Leaving a lid on a pot traps steam, so remove it when you can safely do so. This lets the steam rise directly into the fan’s intake.

4. Use a portable dehumidifier. In kitchens that lack a strong extractor or have a lot of cooking activity, a small dehumidifier can pull excess moisture from the air. Set it to run during peak cooking times for best results.

5. Clean or replace filters regularly. Whether it’s a charcoal filter in a cooker hood or a washable mesh filter in a wall-mounted fan, dirty filters reduce airflow. A quick wipe once a month keeps the system efficient.

6. Check for leaks. Look under the sink and behind appliances for any drips. Even a slow leak can add gallons of water to the air over a week.

7. Dry dishes before putting them away. Wet dishes release moisture back into the kitchen. Give them a quick hand‑dry or let the dishwasher finish a full dry cycle.

By combining these habits, you’ll notice less fog on the windows and a drier feel in the room. The key is to move the steam out as fast as it’s created, and that usually means a well‑maintained extractor fan plus a little extra airflow.

If you’ve tried these tips and still see persistent humidity, it might be time to call a professional. A qualified technician can check the fan motor, duct sizing, and overall ventilation design to make sure your kitchen stays fresh and dry for the long run.