Have you ever get noticed mold growing on your windows or getting into bathroom grouting? Even if you can’t see it, you can tell it’s there just by the smell. Mold growth in homes is a very common problem, and the culprit is excess moisture in the air. Mold spores thrive in warm, humid environments and can quickly spread throughout your home if left unchecked. High humidity levels can lead to mold growth on walls, ceilings, carpets. Practically everywhere.
While something as simple as cracking open a window can help, it’s not always practical. Especially in wintertime, when you can be spending a fortune on keeping your house at a comfortable temperature. But there’s tech that can help keep humidity under control - especially dehumidifiers. But can a dehumdifier actually kill mold? And what else can you do to prevent and remove mold growth?
We’ve got (almost) all the answers…
How do dehumidifiers work?
You’ll probably know that humidifiers remove excess moisture from the air. But you may not know that there are broadly two types of dehumdifier - compressor and desiccant. However, the principle is basically the same: the dehumidifier fan sucks in humid air, which then either uses cooled coils or an absorbent material to collect moisture and store it (in a tank) or get rid of it it (through a hose.)
And since mold thrives in humidity and need a water source, dehumidifers make it much harder for mold to thrive. So while a dehumdifier can’t literally kill mold, it can stop mold from multiplying and spreading by depriving it of water.
Picking the right dehumidifier to reduce mold
To choose the right dehumidifier for your house (or just for the room which is the biggest problem) you need to think about the size of the room, level of humidity and the amount of moisture that needs to be removed. Look for a dehumidifier with a high moisture removal rate, automatic shut-off and a low noise level. You should also check the energy efficiency rating on your dehumidifier to save on electricity costs. We’ve listed some great examples below, but you can get a thorough breakdown in our article on the best dehumidifiers for ditching the damp, which covers everything from bathrooms and bedrooms to best small dehumidifers.
Placement and maintenance tips
To get your dehumidifier working most efficiently, place the dehumidifier in the centre of the room, away from walls and furniture to ensure proper air circulation. If it’s a large room and you’ve got a problem area, then you can place the dehumidier right next to the damp patch. Just be sure to keep it 6 inches away from the wall. And to keep it working well…
Clean the air filter regularly: A dirty air filter can block airflow and reduce the efficiency of your dehumidifier. Clean the air filter regularly in water, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Empty the water container: Be sure to empty the water container regularly to prevent overflowing and damage to your dehumidifier. Plus, you don’t want mold building up in your dehumidifier either!
Keep the unit on a level surface: A dehumidifier that isn't level won’t work properly, so be sure to place it on a level surface.
Maintain the correct humidity level: Most homes humidity level should be between 30% and 50%. If you set your dehumidifier to a much higher or lower setting, it may have to work much harder, reducing its lifespan.
Don’t just rely on your dehumidier
While dehumidifiers can help reduce moisture levels and prevent mold growth, they’re only part of tackling damp and mold. While they remove excess moisture from the air, they don’t address the root cause of mold growth. It's also important to note that dehumidifiers can only work effectively in enclosed spaces (like individual rooms) and aren’t so effective in larger, more open areas. If high moisture levels in your home are being caused by a burst pipe, damaged brickwork or a drainage issues, you’ll need to take action to tackle that to improve things in the long term.
Is mold bad for your health?
While some level of mold is a perfectly normal part of indoor living, prolonged exposure to mold and high humidity levels can lead to a range of health problems. These can range from allergies and respiratory issues to headaches. If you already suffer from asthma or breathing difficulties, they can be further aggravated too. So it's essential to maintain proper humidity levels and prevent mold growth to ensure a healthy living environment.
Practical tips for a mold-free home
Stopping mold growth is all about reducing humidity. Whether that means putting lids on pans when boiling water, opening a bathroom window while showering or just opening windows for 10 minutes every day, here are some things you can do to help keep mold at bay.
Clean and dry surfaces regularly to prevent mold growth
Wipe the condensation of windows with a towel
Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to improve ventilation
Repair water damage or leaks promptly
Use air conditioning or a dehumidifier to control humidity levels
Monitor indoor humidity levels and maintain levels between 30% and 50%
Ensure proper drainage and gutters to prevent water buildup
FAQs
What's better for mold? Air purifier vs dehumidifier
While both air purifiers and dehumidifiers can be effective in reducing mold, they work in different ways. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture to prevent mold growth, while air purifiers filter out mold spores and other allergens from the air. To maximize mold prevention, use a combination of both an air purifier and dehumidifier.
Is a humidifier or dehumidifier better for mold?
A dehumidifier is better for mold prevention, as it removes excess moisture from the air to prevent mold growth. A humidifier, on the other hand, adds moisture to the air, which can promote mold growth if humidity levels are not properly maintained.
How do you get rid of mold on walls permanently?
Getting rid of mold on walls permanently requires identifying and addressing the root cause of excess moisture. This can include repairing leaks or water damage, improving ventilation, and reducing humidity levels with a dehumidifier. Once the root cause has been addressed, remove the mold with a solution of water and vinegar or bleach, and ensure the area is thoroughly dry and ventilated.
Home and dry!
Check out some top brands like Meaco dehumidifier and Essentials dehumidifier or take a look at our whole dehumidifier range for even more choice.
