Are Dehumidifiers Enough To Get Rid of Mold?
Mold issues are a common problem in homes. They not only damage organic materials in homes, but also spread a variety of illnesses including allergies, asthma, headaches, skin rashes, and respiratory conditions. They can even prove to be detrimental for people with compromised immune systems. Therefore, it is vital that we look for ways to get rid of mold.
There are two things that lead to mold growth, and that is moisture and humidity. High levels of humidity cause excess moisture create the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow and thrive. If you want to get rid of mold, you need to control the humidity levels inside homes.
Do Dehumidifiers Prevent Mold Growth?
The simplest answer to this question is that dehumidifiers can limit the growth of mold but not get rid of existing mold altogether. Reducing the humidity levels to 50 % to 55% helps make mold dormant. However, this is just to stop mold growth. To kill existing mold, you need to try other methods which we’ll talk about later in this guide.
A dehumidifier is able to remove excess moisture and humidity from the air. This effectively prevents mold spores from forming and spreading further. With other methods, dehumidifiers would serve as an effective way to get rid of mold inside homes.
How to Use Dehumidifiers to prevent Mold Growth?
The first step to getting rid of mold is identifying the source of mold growth. You can get rid of existing mold but if the root cause persists, mold will continue to form and spread. To stop the underlying problem, get rid of the source of mold spore growth.
Mold will likely be present in areas where there are high levels of humidity, like in bathrooms, basements, and closets. Mold often goes undetected until it has spread and starts to smell. This is why you should have regular mold inspections to spot the areas where mold is growing. You should also detect any water leaks that may be causing mold to form.
Signs You Need a Dehumidifier
Many people make the mistake of thinking they don’t need a dehumidifier until they spot mold growth inside their house. Ideally, you should purchase a dehumidifier before mold infestation. If you live in an area that receives a lot f rainfall, you probably have high humidity levels inside your house. This is a recipe for mold growth!
You can buy a hygrometer to detect the humidity levels inside the house. If you don’t want to do that, you might see condensation outside your windows as an indication of high humidity inside the house. This is a sign that you should buy a dehumidifier. Ideally, your humidity levels should be somewhere between 30% and 50% for comfort and prevention of mold growth.
What Size of Dehumidifier Do You Need?
Once you identify the mold prone areas, you should add a dehumidifier to that area. For large rooms like basements that are susceptible to water leaks, you will need a larger unit that will ensure removal of moisture and ensure ventilation in closed spaces. You can add a small dehumidifier inside closets or near the bathroom after you take a shower to bring down humidity levels.
You can even consult an expert to know the kind of dehumidifier you will need to prevent mold growth in that specific area of the house. If you don’t have mold in your home, then a dehumidifier will help prevent mold from forming. Add a dehumidifier to your house along with other steps to mitigate the risk of mold.
Are Dehumidifiers Enough to Get Rid of Mold?
Dehumidifiers alone are not enough to get rid of mold inside homes. While dehumidifiers are a great and effective preventative measure, they cannot kill mold spores once they have formed. For that, you’ll need to try other methods.
A dehumidifier is the best option for homes that have high humidity but don’t yet have presence of mold. But once mold has started to form, you will need to get rid of that first and then use dehumidifiers to prevent these mold spores from spreading further.
How to Get Rid of Mold Inside Home?
You need a proper plan to get rid of mold inside homes. There are three things that you need to do:
- Mold Inspection
- Mold Removal
- Mold Remediation
For mold inspection, you should hire a professional restoration company to do the job for you. Once you have detected mold, you should take steps for mold removal. You can try bleach and water solution at home or get in touch with a mold removal company.
Once existing mold has been removed, you should then take steps to prevent further mold growth. Add a dehumidifier to your house and ensure the space is well-ventilated. Regularly inspect any water leaks and take care of them in a timely manner.
Mold Prevention
A dehumidifier alone will not get rid of mold. You will need to use other methods in tandem to prevent mold growth. Get in touch with 911 Restoration of Northwest Michigan for expert mold inspection, mold removal and mold remedial services to safeguard your home.
