Keeping a Florida home fresh through humid months

Why humidity shows up in the house

In West Central Florida the rainy season generally runs from late May into early October, according to the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, with frequent afternoon storms at its peak. Even on dry days the air is often heavy with moisture. That moisture finds its way indoors through open doors, showers, cooking and laundry, and it settles in the places where air moves least.

The signs are familiar: a musty smell in a closet, grey or black spots on grout and caulk, towels that never quite dry, or a film on bathroom ceilings. Most of it can be prevented with routine habits rather than big projects.

Let the air conditioning do its second job

An air conditioner cools the air and also pulls moisture out of it. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests keeping indoor relative humidity below 60 percent, and ideally between 30 and 50 percent. An inexpensive humidity monitor makes it easy to see where your home sits.

• Set the thermostat fan to AUTO rather than ON. Research from the Florida Solar Energy Center found indoor humidity ran higher with the fan left on, because moisture on the cooling coil is blown back into the house.
• Keep the AC running at a steady setting when you are away, instead of switching it off entirely during humid weeks.
• Change the air filter on schedule, and keep the condensate drain line and drip pan clear, as the EPA recommends.
• Use a dehumidifier in a room that stays damp despite the AC.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms create more moisture than any other room. Run the exhaust fan or open a window during every shower, and leave the fan running a while afterwards. Squeegee or towel-dry glass doors and tile walls, and leave the shower door or curtain open so it can dry.

• Hang towels and bath mats spread out, not folded, so they dry fully.
• Wash bath mats and shower curtains or liners regularly.
• Keep an eye on grout lines and caulk around tubs and sinks, where mildew tends to start.

Kitchen and laundry

Use the range hood whenever you cook, especially when boiling water, and run the exhaust or open a window when the dishwasher is going. In the laundry room, move clothes to the dryer promptly and leave the washer door or lid open between loads so the drum and seals can air out.

Closets and the places air does not reach

Closets, pantries and the backs of cabinets stay still and dark, which is where musty smells start. Leave a little space between hanging clothes and between boxes and walls. Store only clean, completely dry items. Opening closet doors now and then lets conditioned air in.

• Avoid packing shoes or bags away while they are still damp from rain.
• Use breathable storage rather than sealing seasonal clothes in plastic while slightly damp.
• Move furniture an inch or two away from exterior walls to let air circulate.

Spotting mildew early

Small spots on shower caulk, window sills or AC vents are easiest to handle when they are new. Regular cleaning helps here: when bathrooms, sills and vents are wiped on a steady schedule, buildup is caught before it settles in. The EPA also advises drying water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours. If you see mildew returning quickly in the same spot, or notice a water stain or leak, that points to a moisture source worth having a qualified professional look at.

A steady rhythm through the season

Humid months reward routine more than intensity. A recurring cleaning schedule keeps showers, sills, vents and floors from building up, while the daily habits above keep the air itself in check. Helpful Home Cleaners offers standard and deep cleaning in Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Odessa, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or one-time.