Quick Answer
Yes, you can run a dehumidifier in a room with mold, but it’s important to take precautions. The dehumidifier will help lower humidity levels, which mold needs to grow. However, it won’t get rid of the mold itself. You’ll need to clean up any visible mold and fix any moisture problems allowing mold to grow before using a dehumidifier.
Can a dehumidifier get rid of mold?
No, a dehumidifier cannot get rid of mold growth. A dehumidifier is designed to reduce humidity levels in the air. It does this by drawing moist air into the unit, condensing the moisture out, and releasing drier air back into the room.
While lower humidity levels make it harder for mold to grow and spread, a dehumidifier doesn’t kill mold or remove mold that’s already present. To get rid of mold, you need to thoroughly clean any visible mold with detergent and water. You may also need mold-killing products or professional mold remediation for large areas of mold growth.
How dehumidifiers prevent mold growth
Mold needs moisture to grow. By reducing humidity levels, a dehumidifier helps create a less mold-friendly environment. Most molds thrive when indoor humidity is above 50-60%. A dehumidifier can lower humidity below these levels to inhibit mold growth and reproduction.
However, humidity is just one factor affecting mold growth. Mold also needs a food source like cellulose materials, dirt and dust for nutrients. Fixing leaks, improving ventilation and cleaning can also deprive mold of the conditions it requires to proliferate.
While dehumidifiers are useful for mold prevention, you need to address any underlying moisture sources and thoroughly clean up existing mold. Otherwise, the mold may continue to grow and release spores into the air even with lower humidity levels.
Will a dehumidifier spread mold spores?
There are concerns that a dehumidifier could spread mold spores by blowing around moldy air. However, most dehumidifiers are designed with high-efficiency air filters that trap mold spores, preventing them from being recirculated into the room’s air.
Make sure to check the dehumidifier’s filter periodically and replace it as needed. Using high-efficiency filters like MERV-11 can provide further protection from mold spores. Also, ensure the dehumidifier’s airflow isn’t directly blowing on visible mold growth, as this could disturb the spores.
Properly maintaining the dehumidifier with filter changes and keeping its vents away from mold reduces the risk of it spreading spores. However, it’s still important to clean up any visible mold and address moisture issues rather than just relying on a dehumidifier alone.
Can you run a dehumidifier with mold in the room?
Yes, you can run a dehumidifier in a room that has mold growth. However, it should be used in combination with mold cleanup and removal efforts:
– First address the source of moisture allowing the mold to grow and make repairs as needed to stop condensation or leaks.
– Thoroughly clean any visible mold with detergent, replace moldy materials if needed, and use mold killing products on porous surfaces like wood or drywall.
– Then, run a dehumidifier to maintain humidity under 50%, which will help control mold growth. Make sure the dehumidifier’s filter is clean and any vents aren’t directed at moldy areas.
– Use exhaust fans when cooking, showering or doing other humid activities. Keep humidity in check in basements and crawlspaces using a dehumidifier.
– Continue monitoring the area and immediately clean up any new mold growth. If mold returns consistently, you may have an underlying moisture issue that needs correction.
The dehumidifier alone won’t remove mold or stop it from returning if the source of moisture isn’t addressed. But when combined with proper mold cleanup and moisture control, running a dehumidifier can help prevent mold growth from recurring.
Can you run a dehumidifier with visible mold?
It’s best not to run a dehumidifier in a room with extensive visible mold growth until after cleanup. The dehumidifier could spread spores throughout the room. Small areas of mold growth can be cleaned up first, and then a dehumidifier can be used to keep humidity low to prevent more growth.
For large moldy areas like mold on walls or HVAC systems, you should have professional mold remediation done before using a dehumidifier. The remediation will remove mold and drying equipment can be installed during the process. Once mold removal is done, a dehumidifier can help maintain lower humidity.
Do not use a dehumidifier as a substitute for mold removal. It should only be used after proper cleanup. Make sure to wear protective gear when doing any mold remediation. Spores released during the cleanup process can cause respiratory issues if inhaled.
What humidity level prevents mold with a dehumidifier?
Mold growth is inhibited when indoor relative humidity is kept below 50 percent. Using a dehumidifier to maintain humidity levels between 30-50 percent will create an environment less favorable to mold growth.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping home humidity below 50 percent (ideally 30-50 percent) to control mold. At these humidity levels, mold growth and reproduction is slowed.
Exactly what humidity level to aim for depends on conditions:
30-40 percent humidity
– For homes with a history of moisture issues or mold problems, keeping humidity closer to 30-40 percent is recommended. At these lower levels, mold has a much harder time growing.
– In damp basements and crawlspaces where humidity can easily spike, aim for 30-40 percent. Look for dehumidifiers that can maintain these drier conditions.
– During colder months when condensation occurs more easily, target the 30-40 percent range. Lower humidity prevents condensation that allows mold to form.
40-50 percent humidity
– In living spaces without moisture issues, keeping humidity in the 40-50 percent range is usually sufficient to inhibit mold growth.
– In drier climates where relative humidity naturally stays low indoors, allowing humidity up to 50 percent can help reduce static electricity and overly dry air.
– During warmer or more humid months, humidity may naturally rise closer to 50 percent at times.
Use a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity. Adjust the dehumidifier to maintain safe humidity based on conditions and history of mold issues. Keeping levels consistently below 50 percent prevents mold growth.
Can you run a dehumidifier 24/7 with mold?
It’s fine to run a dehumidifier continuously, 24 hours a day, in a room with mold as long as proper mold remediation has been done first. Here are some tips for running a dehumidifier non-stop to prevent mold growth:
– Clean up any visible mold and dried moisture using detergent and/or mold killing products. Address leaks and humidity sources allowing mold to grow.
– Choose an appropriately sized dehumidifier for the room. Look for dehumidifiers with auto humidistats to automatically maintain a humidity level like 45%.
– Place the dehumidifier in a central area of the room and keep vents away from walls or corners where mold growth could be hidden.
– Make sure the dehumidifier can drain continuously. Use a gravity drain or condensate pump so water doesn’t overflow.
– Check and clean the dehumidifier’s filter every 1-2 weeks as it will collect more dust running continuously.
– Monitor humidity with a hygrometer. If humidity rises above 50% for over 48 hours, increase dehumidifier capacity.
– Inspect for any signs of new moisture or mold growth. Keep surfaces clean and dry to prevent mold return.
Running a dehumidifier 24/7 works best if it has auto controls, proper drainage and sufficient capacity to maintain humidity under 50 percent at all times. This helps create the least mold-friendly conditions.
Precautions when running dehumidifier continuously
Take these precautions when running a dehumidifier non-stop:
– Don’t rely solely on the dehumidifier to prevent mold if you have an active leak or condensation issue. Fix the moisture source first.
– Room doors should be kept open to allow air circulation. Closed rooms create stagnant air pockets the dehumidifier may not reach.
– Check that humidity stays in the target range throughout the room, not just near the dehumidifier.
– Listen for any strange noises from the dehumidifier that could indicate an issue. Shut off immediately if any problems occur.
– Avoid excessive dehumidifier runtime by using exhaust fans, controlling HVAC humidity settings, and addressing condensation problems.
Dehumidifier precautions with mold
When running a dehumidifier in a room that has or is prone to mold, take these important precautions:
– Clean any visible mold first before using a dehumidifier. Make sure all moldy areas are thoroughly remediated.
– Fix any moisture sources like leaks that allow mold to grow. A dehumidifier alone won’t stop mold if high humidity persists.
– Choose a dehumidifier size adequate for the room’s conditions. Rooms with prior mold issues may need larger capacity.
– Frequently clean the dehumidifier’s filter to remove mold spores and prevent them recirculating in the air.
– Direct air flow away from walls, furniture and affected areas so it doesn’t spread spores.
– Monitor humidity and inspect for new mold growth. Clean any returns immediately and improve moisture control.
– Have HVAC systems checked by an expert since mold can hide and grow in ductwork. The HVAC may need cleaning.
– Consider adding ventilation improvements if excessive humidity is an ongoing issue. This provides whole-home humidity control.
– Be sure to wear protective equipment during cleanup to avoid breathing in dangerous mold spores.
Proper remediation and moisture control must come first before relying on a dehumidifier to prevent mold growth. Ongoing vigilance is key to preventing mold issues from recurring.
What to do if dehumidifier spreads mold smell?
If you notice a moldy or musty smell when running your dehumidifier, here’s what to do:
– Clean the dehumidifier’s filter to remove any mold spores or dirt it has collected. Replace filters according to manufacturer instructions.
– Check for visible mold growth in the dehumidifier. Look in the air intake, vents, condenser coils and collection tank if present. Clean any mold found.
– Make sure the dehumidifier is draining properly and not leaking water that could create mold. Clean any trays or tanks.
– Consider cleaning the dehumidifier’s coils and interior using an antimicrobial coil cleaner to remove contamination. Follow product instructions carefully.
– Check for mold around the room not directly visible behind furniture or corners. The dehumidifier may be blowing over hidden mold.
– Look for signs of a new water leak or moisture supporting mold growth. Fix any issues immediately.
– Reduce the relative humidity setting on the dehumidifier to 30-40% to inhibit mold growth.
– Move the dehumidifier away from known moldy areas so it’s not disturbing spores. Direct airflow elsewhere.
– As a last resort, you may need to replace the dehumidifier if mold contamination is making it spread spores.
Preventing odors requires keeping both the dehumidifier and room clean of mold and properly maintaining humidity levels. Identify and fix any moisture sources fostering new mold growth.
Dehumidifier vs. mold fogger
Dehumidifier
- Lowers humidity levels to slow mold growth and reproduction
- Does not kill mold or remove current growth
- Must be used with proper cleanup and fixing moisture issues
- Continuous use needed to control humidity
- No chemicals used – just removes moisture from air
Mold fogger/bomb
- Releases anti-mold chemicals like chlorine dioxide to kill mold
- Should only be used after cleanup to treat remaining spores
- Provides temporary treatment but mold can return if humidity isn’t controlled
- Use once treatment in sealed off area
- Chemicals can irritate respiratory system
Dehumidifiers and mold foggers should be used for different purposes:
– Use a dehumidifier to maintain humidity under 50% and prevent mold growth. It does not kill mold directly.
– Use mold foggers only after thoroughly cleaning up visible mold to treat remaining spores. It does not fix moisture issues long-term.
For mold elimination, physically remove mold with detergent and kill remaining spores with an antimicrobial treatment. Then use a dehumidifier for ongoing moisture and humidity control to prevent mold from recurring.
Conclusion
Running a dehumidifier can be an effective part of a mold control strategy, but should not be the only action taken. To prevent and treat mold:
1. Thoroughly clean any visible mold and eliminate moisture sources supporting growth.
2. Use appropriate antimicrobial treatments on remaining spores.
3. Run a properly sized dehumidifier to keep humidity below 50%.
4. Continue monitoring humidity levels and inspecting for new mold growth.
5. Fix any new moisture issues immediately.
A dehumidifier makes the area less hospitable for mold by lowering humidity. But removing existing mold, preventing moisture and proper HVAC maintenance are also key. Used alongside proper remediation and moisture control, dehumidifiers can help prevent mold from recurring indoors. Just make sure to take appropriate precautions.