Sofas feel damp in summer

[justabigdisco]

Wondering if there’s anything I can do about this. I live in an old stone house and while ventilation could be better, I do open my windows every day (and leave them open as much as possible) and have a dehumidifier on the go. However in summer when it’s humid my sofas and scatter cushions sometimes feel damp. Like when you’re on holiday in a humid country and outdoor cushions feel damp to sit on. It really bothers me - is this common? I don’t remember it happening in previous houses, and I’m not sure what else I can do.

Yeah, in old breathable houses hot weather and dehumidifiers can draw moisture out. The benefit is that the walls will be drier and insulate the house better in the winter.

Keep ventilating, it will pass.

Should I stop using the dehumidifier? Is that what you mean? It doesn’t seem to make a massive difference

At this time of year opening windows will be more effective than a dehumidifier. You need airflow which you won't get with a dehumidifier and closed windows.

The air outside is so humid where I am at the moment that humidity rises inside when the windows are open. The dehumidifier makes a massive difference for me. I closed windows and doors in our bedroom today and ran it all day and it’s much more comfortable tonight. If you open the windows with the dehumidifier on it will just be working overtime to try to dry out the damp air coming in.

Thank you both. To clarify - I have the windows open when we are in, but when we’re out / in bed at night I have the windows closed and a dehumidifier running downstairs.

You could try those damp collectors - sort of crystals with a bag to collect water. I’ve got some hanging ones that I keep in a fitted wardrobe that’s next to the en-suite. You can also buy them in tubs, maybe try some behind the sofa? They are cheap on Amazon.