Mould will easily grow and spread if the right conditions are present. So, dehumidifiers don't kill mould, but they can help to prevent it from growing inside your home by reducing humidity. However, the best way to deal with it is to get rid of its source.
So, to answer your question, dehumidifiers do NOT kill mold, but they do prevent it by reducing humidity. If you have a mold problem in your home, don't wait. Mold spreads as long as it has a water source.
While both devices can help with mold, a dehumidifier is the best choice. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air that enables mold to reproduce and grow. An air purifier can only remove the mold spores in the air and not fix the root cause of the problem.
Also use dehumidifiers, which can help remove moisture from the air and walls. Professionals use tools like moisture meters, infrared imaging devices, dehumidifiers and heavy-duty fans. That ensures the walls are truly dry before further repair, painting or refinishing.
Conclusion. Mold spores don't die and will grow back and multiply after a long time of inactivity once moisture is introduced. They can still cause health complications and need to be removed before they start to grow back and spread throughout your home or business.
Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.
“Dehumidifiers are designed to be left on for long periods, whether that be during the day, or at night," explains dehumidifier expert and Meaco's managing director Chris Michael. "The technology is very similar in many ways to a fridge or a freezer, and they are just as safe to be left to work on their own."
Probably one of the fastest and most practical ways to decrease humidity in the house is to open a window. A fresh, dry breeze will quickly absorb moisture in spaces like your bathroom or kitchen. Turn your air conditioner down if you open a window to prevent your unit from working too hard.
Leaving your dehumidifier on all the time can result in dehumidifying too much, leading to a dry indoor environment. It can cause dry air, leading to respiratory issues, dehydrated skin, and static electricity.
Cons of Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers collect water meaning they need to be regularly emptied. They also need to be regularly cleaned otherwise black mould can start to grow on the machine , which can induce a wide range of health problems including allergic reactions, lung problems and irritation.
Mould will easily grow and spread if the right conditions are present. So, dehumidifiers don't kill mould, but they can help to prevent it from growing inside your home by reducing humidity.
That's why experts recommend you keep humidity levels in your home at 55% or lower. Mold needs 55% or higher humidity in order to grow. Also, remember that reducing humidity below 30% isn't a good idea, either. This can cause health problems, making your eyes nose and skin dry, and exasperate lung and skin conditions.
The bigger the dehumidifier (and the higher the wattage), the more watts it'll generally use. Large ones can use up to 500 watts, while the smaller models usually only use about 22 watts. All of these factors can also impact your dehumidifier's energy use.
Since the dehumidifier is actively pulling the moisture out of the air and into the attached basin, it is a breeding ground for mildew, mineral build up, and mold. Keeping the device clean will keep these issues out of the air and away from your family.
Leave a box of baking soda on a window sill of any particularly humid room in your home, and it will help take away some of the humidity from the air.
To remove the standing water from your home, you need a device that will soak up the water and put it elsewhere. This is what a sump pump does. There are two types: pedestal sump pumps and submersible sump pumps.
Keep Your Dehumidifier Away from the Walls
It's easy to assume the best place to put your dehumidifier is against the wall. But it's not! Dehumidifiers suck in and expel air using vents. Blocking any of these vents can reduce your dehumidifier's effectiveness.
Dehumidifiers are not very effective in extremely low temperatures. This is because dehumidifier coils attract water vapor, and if the temperatures drop too low — below 42 degrees Fahrenheit for example — the vapor would freeze, damaging your machine.
A dehumidifier should collect a certain amount of water each day - generally, around 10-20 pints of water per 24-hour period. This should require you to empty most dehumidifiers daily or bi-daily when in operation.
It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.
Professional mold remediation typically costs $1,500–$9,000 with an average cost of $3,500. While you can clean small, visible mold problems yourself, it's safer to call in professionals for large or complex infestations.