Totally with you on lime plaster, but have you ever tried charcoal bags? I was skeptical at first—seemed like another trendy gimmick—but they're surprisingly effective. Hung a few in our musty closets and basement corners, and within days the air felt noticeably fresher. Plus, they're budget-friendly and reusable...just toss them in sunlight every month or so to recharge. Sometimes the simplest solutions really are hiding right under our noses.
Charcoal bags are definitely underrated—I've recommended them to clients dealing with damp basements, and they've been pleasantly surprised. A few other simple tricks I've found helpful over the years:
- Houseplants: Certain plants like peace lilies or Boston ferns naturally absorb moisture and freshen the air. Plus, they add a nice aesthetic touch.
- Rock salt: Placing bowls of rock salt in corners or closets can quietly draw moisture out of the air. It's cheap, easy, and you probably already have some lying around.
- Ventilation tweaks: Sometimes just adjusting airflow can make a huge difference. I've seen clients dramatically improve humidity issues by installing small vents or even just rearranging furniture to let air circulate better.
One thing I haven't tried yet but keep hearing about is using wool insulation instead of fiberglass or foam. Supposedly wool naturally regulates humidity levels and prevents mold growth. Has anyone here experimented with wool insulation in their remodels or home projects? Curious if it's worth the extra cost...
I've been curious about wool insulation myself, but every time I price it out, it seems pretty steep compared to standard fiberglass. I get the appeal—natural materials, humidity control, mold resistance—but I'm wondering if the long-term benefits really justify that initial investment. Has anyone done a cost-benefit analysis or tracked energy savings over time with wool insulation?
Also, another thought came to mind about charcoal bags... does anyone know how often you need to replace or recharge them? I've used rock salt before, and it's great for short-term fixes, but it gets messy and needs frequent changing. If charcoal bags last significantly longer, it might be worth switching over.
I totally get your hesitation about wool insulation—it does feel pricey upfront. When I put it in our attic, I tracked our bills for about 18 months afterward. Honestly, the savings weren't massive at first, but over time, especially in winter, I noticed the heating kicking on less often. On charcoal bags: they're great! Every month or two, just toss them in direct sunlight for a few hours to recharge. Mine have lasted well over a year without needing replacement... way less messy than rock salt.
Did you find charcoal bags actually made a noticeable difference in humidity levels? I tried them in my basement, and honestly, didn't see much improvement... ended up switching to a small electric dehumidifier instead. Curious if maybe I just got unlucky with mine.
