If there are no cold-condensing surfaces and the relative humidity (RH) is maintained below 60 percent indoors, there will not be enough water in those materials for mold to grow. However, if the RH stays above 70 percent indoors for extended periods of time, mold will almost certainly grow.
What Temperature and Humidity Does Mold Grow At? Mold grows fastest between 77°F and 86°F with relative humidity above 55%. It's worth noting that mold can survive at almost any temperature. Colder temperatures simply cause mold colonies to go dormant, which limits spore production.
What Is the Ideal Indoor Humidity Level? One way to prevent mold growth is to maintain a good indoor relative humidity level. And the ideal indoor humidity range falls between 40 and 60%. If humidity levels in your home are over 60%, then the air can potentially create enough moisture that it enables mold growth.
The World Health Organisation guidelines suggest 21 degrees in a living room and 18 degrees in the bedrooms, falling lower at night and when you are out. You don't need to keep your home at these temperatures all the time, but you should aim to bring it up to these temperatures at least some of the day.
Mold stays “dormant” in the air or on surfaces even when there's no excess moisture to help it grow. If the humidity in a room increases, mold will start growing in patches on walls, clothes, and more. So, to answer your question, dehumidifiers do NOT kill mold, but they do prevent it by reducing humidity.
If you live in a humid environment and want to control moisture levels to prevent mold growth, a dehumidifier may be the best choice. Dehumidifiers are effective at reducing humidity levels and removing excess moisture from the air, which can help prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Ventilation fans are the best way to prevent mold build up inside a home. Think about it: what happens when a home has a flood? Typically, a water damage expert will be called in and the first thing they do is bring in ventilation fans to dry out the moisture and wetness inside the home.
Humidity is also perfect for mold growth. Bugs also prefer humid temperatures, so a humid home can be the perfect breeding ground for pests. Leaving the AC off for long periods of time gives mold and bugs enough time to settle in the higher humidity.
Mold grows faster in the summer months. However, winter doesn't always mean we are in the clear. Mold loves the dark spaces in our homes. Although it does not grow at temperatures below freezing, mold can survive in dormancy and await the coming spring.
Summer is one of the ideal seasons for mold growth due to high levels of humidity. The condition may be worsened further with poor ventilation, which hinders free flow of air. Hot temperatures outside and cold temperatures in the indoors can lead to condensation around windowsills, and other insulation materials.
Do air purifiers help with mold? Air purifiers help capture mold spores from the air, preventing them from reproducing and spreading throughout your home. While air purifiers won't help treat active mold that's already present on surfaces, they are a great way to control the spread of airborne mold particles.
Mold generally looks slimy or fuzzy, tends to have a raised texture, and can come in a rainbow of colors, including deep green and black. Mildew is powdery, looks white or gray, always appears flat, and grows on surfaces.
This will tell you if you can clean the mold yourself, or if it's reached a point where you need to bring in the pros. If the outbreak is less than 10 square feet, the EPA says it's safe to handle the cleanup yourself (FEMA sets the limit at 25 square feet, so there's some wiggle room).
Get Your Dehumidifier Settings Right: Between 30-50%!
So what is the best humidity setting for a dehumidifier? According to Energy Star, the optimal level of relative humidity in your home should be between 30% and 50%.
mildew and mold will develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Even worse, it will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture, and effectively deal with the mold problem. Use the diagram on the facing page to assess the extent of mold in your home.
Mold growth can occur in cold rooms when ambient humidity is high, where there is poor ventilation, insulation failure, or when wood, cardboard, and other porous materials that can grow mold are stored in the room. Healthy individuals usually do not experience adverse health effects from moderate mold exposures.
Spring and Fall are commonly known as the worst seasons for mold growth. Especially in regions with heavy rain and high water levels, the moisture can cause expedited growth. Heavy rain showers can bring the best environment for mold.
First of all, mold loves moisture and high temperatures. That's why mold season in the US is considered early spring to mid-fall. In the spring, the weather starts to warm up, and there is more moisture in the air. Midsummer is the peak time for mold growth.
High humidity levels: the perfect conditions for mold
Leaving your AC fan set to ON allows the moisture in your home to accumulate and reach mold-growing levels of humidity. To ensure that you and your family stay cool and healthy this summer, keep your AC thermostat fan setting to AUTO.
Mold can start to grow and become visible in as little as 72 hours. The bottom line is that molds are everywhere – they're indoors and outdoors, and it doesn't take much to encourage them to grow.
Use “auto” mode.
Warm, moist, and stale air is the perfect environment for mold to grow. Instead, use the “auto” function on your air conditioning unit. This will continuously cycle the air in your home while you're away for a long period of time.
Ventilate your house for a minimum of 30 minutes daily. Cross ventilation is necessary, so interior doors must be opened along with windows on opposing sides. Keep your kitchen door closed and the room ventilated while cooking or operating your dishwasher. Keep your bathroom door closed during showers and baths.
Mold hates light. Other than moisture there's nothing mold loves more than dark places.
Install an Air Purifier: Using an air purifier to remove mold spores in the air is one of the best ways to initially get the problem under control because they work by capturing and removing harmful pollutants in your home.