Humidity and Mold Control

What You Need To Know About Humidity and Mold Control

You’ve probably heard that mold grows in humid, moist environments, but what does that mean for your home? Here’s what you need to know about humidity and mold control.

How do you prevent mold from growing in your home?

Well, for starters, mold needs just three things to grow:

1) Organic Material
2) Oxygen
3) Moisture

Your home is undoubtedly full of both organic material and oxygen, so moisture is the one variable you can reasonably control. The amount of moisture in your home’s air is referred to as Humidity. Here’s what you need to know about controlling the humidity in your home or business.

Steps to Reduce Humidity

Ideally, you should keep your humidity levels no higher than 50% to discourage mold growth. Easier said than done in some areas of your home or business, like bathrooms and basements. Fortunately, there are several ways to control humidity in these areas:

1. Invest in a Dehumidifier (or several) – While their constant humming isn’t the most pleasant sound, dehumidifiers are perfect for removing water vapor from the air. Consider running a dehumidifier or two in your basement, at least during the warm seasons.
2. Run your Air Conditioner – Keeping your home cool and the air circulating will reduce humidity.
3. Turn on the Bathroom Exhaust Fan – Especially when showering, exhaust fans will draw moist air out from the room.
4. Vent your Dryer and Stove Outside – These appliances produce water vapor when used, so make sure they’re properly vented. If they aren’t already, consider getting a quote from a contractor to have outdoor venting installed. A little prevention now will save you major headaches in the future!
5. Fix Leaks – Take care of any leaks in your roof, walls, or plumbing so mold doesn’t have moisture to grow.
6. Dry out Flooding, FAST! – Clean up and dry out your home quickly (within 24 hours) after flooding. Consider hiring an emergency flood mitigation professional to ensure you don’t end up with a mold problem after a flood!