Do Humidifiers Ruin Wood?

Trying to get the right balance of humidity in your home can be tricky. Humidifiers can add a healthy amount of moisture both for you and your surroundings.

However, you may be wondering: do humidifiers ruin wood? Learn what you need to know here!

Do humidifiers ruin wood?

do humidifiers ruin wood

The answer is it depends on the level of humidity that you’re using. If you use your humidifier too much, or at too high a level, it is possible to harm wood including your wooden furniture.

However, if your home is too dry then wooden furniture can crack and the joints can become loose. Wooden window frames can shrink. Wooden floors can also warp.

What you want is the right balance of humidity in your home that’s healthy for both you and your family along with what is good for wood.

It also depends on the type of humidifier you use in your home. Humidifiers that use steam heat should be placed away from any furniture, walls, or curtains. Anything that’s placed too close to these units can damage them.

Using a cool mist humidifier instead will avoid this problem.

What is a good humidity level for wood?

You may be surprised to learn that the wooden furniture in your home actually needs a certain level of humidity in order to stay in good condition. Even things like violins and antique furniture need to be kept in an environment that has a humidity level of around 40%.

As a rule, you’ll want to aim for 40% and less than 60% for an acceptable level of humidity for both wood and people too.

Digital thermometer and humidity gauge example image

Shown here is an example of a digital humidity gauge with a temperature display. They’re super easy to use and very affordable as most are below $15.

I’d recommend investing in a hygrometer (humidity gauge) to help you keep an eye on the level of humidity in your home. If it gets above 60%, it’s best to give your humidifier a rest.

Even though wood can benefit from your humidifier just as much as you can, you should still avoid placing it directly onto or next to a wooden surface.

To get the best circulation, I’d suggest placing it on a non-wooden elevated surface such as a side table or a shelf. You should also keep it at least 3 feet away from you, even when you’re sleeping.

It’s also a very good idea to place a tray or towel underneath to prevent water droplet splatter from getting on wooden surfaces. Similarly, you don’t want water build up to soak into the flooring, for sure.

Do humidifiers damage furniture?

do humidifiers damage furniture

When used correctly a humidifier will not damage furniture. As I’ve mentioned above, increasing the moisture content in the air of your home can even be incredibly beneficial to your furniture.

However, you’ll need to bear a couple of things in mind.

  • It’s best to keep your humidifier away from any walls, curtains, or furniture. If your humidifier is left to stand next to these, the moisture can start to collect on them before it can be properly distributed into the air.
  • Excessive direct moisture can lead to more problems. It’s important to remember not to let the humidity level in a room go above 60% by leaving them running too long. This runs the risk of causing dampness or mildew on your furniture and around your home.

As long as you keep the humidity of your home at a sensible level, and you distance the appliance from your walls, furnishings, and other fibrous materials, there’s really nothing to worry about.

Do you need a humidifier for hardwood floors?

do you need a humidifier for hardwood floors

It may be a well-documented fact that water and wood don’t mix well together. However, you’ll be surprised to learn that just as wooden furniture needs a certain level of humidity in your home, so do hardwood floors.

It’s estimated that around 90% of wooden floors experience problems because the home wasn’t kept within the recommended relative humidity level of between 35% to 55%.

This is because when your wooden floors become too dry, they shrink. Which of course can cause issues such as cracking and warping – I’m sure you want to avoid that!

The best way to protect your wooden floors from cracking, warping, and shrinking is to use a humidifier to maintain a constant moisture level throughout your home.

If you have wooden floors in your home and are concerned about them cracking, I’d suggest investing in a whole-home humidifier. These can be connected to your thermostat as well as your hot water supply which can make the whole process much easier.

Does humidity swell wood?

does humidity swell wood

The level of humidity in the air of your home can of course affect whether your wood swells or shrinks. If there’s too much moisture in the air, your wooden floors or furniture can swell.

On the other hand, when wood dries heavily it will also shrink.

Interestingly, wood is hygroscopic. This means that it will release and absorb moisture into the air depending on the humidity of the room that it’s in. Your wooden floors and furniture will continue to absorb or release moisture until it matches the level of humidity in your home.

The moisture content of your wood can also affect its structural integrity. It’s best to try and keep the level of humidity in your home at a constant level so that your wood won’t shrink or swell too much to the point where it becomes damaged.

What is a good humidity level for wood floors?

The temperature will also play a role in this. It’s best to stick to a humidity level of between 35% to 55% and to keep the temperature of your home at around 70 degrees fahrenheit.

Grant Williams

About the author

Grant is a professional engineer by trade and has experience with both maintenance and do-it-yourself home projects. He enjoys sharing his expertise & ideas with others to help them improve their comfort and quality of life. Read more »

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