Cooking can bring joy, warmth, and delicious aromas to your homeโbut it also brings something less welcome: humidity. That sticky, heavy air can fog up windows, cause mold, and make your kitchen feel uncomfortable. If youโve ever searched โhow to reduce humidity when cooking,โ youโre not alone. Many home cooks struggle with this problem, especially in smaller kitchens or during humid weather.
In this article, weโll walk you through practical, easy-to-follow tips to control and reduce humidity in your kitchen while cooking. These solutions work whether you live in a small apartment or a large house.
Why Cooking Increases Humidity
Before jumping into the solutions, it helps to understand what causes the humidity in the first place. Cooking releases moisture into the air in several ways:
- Boiling water produces steam.
- Simmering soups, sauces, or stews creates ongoing moisture.
- Using a dishwasher or washing dishes in hot water adds even more steam to the room.
- Even your refrigerator can contribute if it’s not properly ventilated.
This excess moisture lingers in the air, especially in closed or poorly ventilated kitchens. Over time, it can lead to mold growth, paint damage, and even warped cabinets.
1. Use a Range Hood or Exhaust Fan (Correctly)
The best way to remove steam as it’s created is by using a vented range hood or exhaust fan. These devices suck up hot air and moisture and expel it outside your home.
Tips:
- Always turn the fan on before you start cooking.
- Let it run for at least 10โ15 minutes after you’re done cooking.
- Clean the filter regularly to keep it efficient.
If your fan only recirculates air back into the kitchen (common in older or rental units), consider upgrading to a vented model or using other methods in this list.
2. Keep Windows Open (If Weather Permits)
Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective. Opening a window allows humid air to escape and fresh air to enter. This can quickly balance humidity levels, especially during cooler, drier weather.
If you have two windows, try to open both slightly to create cross-ventilation. This allows air to flow through the kitchen rather than just hanging around.
3. Use a Dehumidifier
If you cook frequently or live in a humid climate, a kitchen dehumidifier is a great investment. These appliances pull excess moisture from the air and help maintain healthy humidity levels.
What to look for:
- Choose a compact, portable model for smaller kitchens.
- Aim for a dehumidifier with a hygrometer so you can monitor humidity levels (ideal indoor humidity is 40%โ60%).
- Run it during and after cooking.
Some modern dehumidifiers are quiet and energy-efficient, making them ideal for daily kitchen use.
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4. Put a Lid on It
Whenever possible, cover your pots and pans while cooking. This simple trick keeps steam trapped inside the cookware instead of escaping into the air.
Lidding is especially effective when boiling water or simmering soups and sauces. Youโll reduce humidity and cook more efficiently (which can even lower energy use).
5. Cook with Less Water
If your recipe allows it, try using less water. For instance, you can:
- Steam vegetables with a small amount of water and a tight-fitting lid.
- Reduce the liquid in sauces or gravies that don’t need to be runny.
- Use dry cooking methods like baking, roasting, grilling, or air frying which produce less steam than boiling or simmering.
The less water you heat, the less moisture enters the air.
6. Wipe Down Condensation Immediately
Moisture loves to collect on cool surfaces like windows, tiles, or countertops. After you finish cooking, take a moment to wipe down any condensation you see.
This not only reduces overall humidity but also helps prevent mold growth and staining, especially in corners or window sills where water can pool unnoticed.
7. Close Doors to Other Rooms
When you’re cooking, it’s a good idea to close nearby doors (like to your living room or bedroom). This keeps the humidity contained in one area and prevents it from spreading throughout your home.
Once cooking is done and you’ve ventilated the kitchen, you can open the doors again.
8. Use Fans to Circulate Air
If you donโt have a range hood or it’s not very effective, try using a standing or box fan. Point it toward an open window or doorway to push moist air out.
This method is especially useful in apartments or rental homes where you may not be able to modify the existing kitchen setup.
9. Mind Your Dishwasher and Sink
Dishwashers and hot water from the sink can also add to the humidity. Try these tips:
- Run your dishwasher at night when the kitchen is cooler.
- Use the air-dry cycle instead of heated drying, which releases more steam.
- Run the kitchen fan while using hot water or washing dishes.
You can even crack the dishwasher door open after it’s done to let steam escape in a controlled way.
10. Check for Hidden Moisture Sources
Sometimes the source of humidity isnโt just from your cooking. Inspect your kitchen for:
- Leaky pipes under the sink.
- A poorly sealed refrigerator or freezer.
- Damp sponges, dish towels, or a full trash can.
Cleaning and drying these areas regularly helps keep moisture (and odors) under control.
Bonus: Consider Kitchen Plants That Absorb Humidity
Believe it or not, certain houseplants can help regulate humidity. Plants like English ivy, peace lilies, and Boston ferns are known for absorbing moisture from the air. Plus, they add a touch of greenery to your cooking space!
Just make sure not to overwater them, or youโll undo the benefit.
Final Thoughts
Excess humidity in the kitchen can make cooking uncomfortable and even lead to long-term home damage. But with the right combination of ventilation, smart cooking habits, and tools like dehumidifiers, you can enjoy a fresh, dry kitchen every time you cook.
Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or an all-day feast, these tips will help keep your kitchen environment clean, dry, and comfortable.
