Since moisture causes mold, it’s reasonable to think a dehumidifier will solve your problem. While it can solve your moisture problem, a dehumidifier will not kill mold. The best a dehumidifier can do is control the mold problem, but even that isn’t a permanent solution.
Why a Dehumidifier Will Not Kill Mold
Unfortunately, there are several reasons a dehumidifier does not kill mold. Most have to do with the limitations of home dehumidifiers. However, mold is also really tough.
Cannot Remove Enough Moisture
While they control moisture and humidity, dehumidifiers will only keep your home comfortable. Typically, this means somewhere between 40% and 60% relative humidity.
Although mold usually needs above 60% humidity to grow, it can survive with just 30% humidity. This makes mold especially difficult to kill once it appears. Even if you run your dehumidifier all the time, there could still be enough moisture for it to grow.
Home Units Will Only Remove Moisture From the Air
Home dehumidifiers will pull moisture out of the air, but they cannot remove water from walls, carpets, cabinets, or ceilings. They might control kitchen or bathroom mold caused by condensation, but home dehumidifiers will not stop mold in all cases. They are no help if the problem is a water leak or flood.
Commercial Dehumidifiers Are Expensive
Commercial dehumidifiers will help remove water from your home when used with high-velocity fans. Also called structural drying dehumidifiers, they are meant to dry your home after repairing a water problem. Using them as a daily solution is not only loud but also expensive.
Mold Is Very Tough To Kill
Another reason dehumidifiers will not kill mold is that it is extremely resilient. Mold only needs a minute amount of moisture to grow. It can also stay dormant in your home for years, even without moisture. You might not see it growing, but it could still live inside your walls or ceiling.
Can You Prevent Mold With a Dehumidifier?
You can prevent mold with a dehumidifier, but only if you deal with your moisture problem before mold appears. Once you have mold, the only way to kill it is to remove all of it.
Can a Dehumidifier Spread Mold Spores?
It may seem contradictory, but home dehumidifiers can spread mold spores. Whether you have a desiccant or refrigerant dehumidifier, they work by sucking in humid air and blowing out dry air.
If you have mold already, there are also mold spores in the air. So not only is there mold in your dehumidifier, but it’s blowing mold spores throughout your home.
The best way to control mold in your dehumidifier is to empty the reservoir and replace the air filters frequently. Otherwise, it can make your mold problem worse or speed up how quickly it spreads.
What Kind of Dehumidifier Is Best for Preventing Mold?
The best dehumidifier for preventing mold is one that you empty often and clean frequently. While they work differently, refrigerant and desiccant dehumidifiers are equally effective at preventing mold.
Dehumidifiers come in sizes from 9 pints to 90 pints, so get the largest model you can afford. The more pints it can process, the more moisture it pulls from the air. Also, look for a model with a drain hose to make emptying easier.
Does the mold keep coming back, even with your dehumidifier running around the clock? Then it’s time for professional help. Let the restoration experts at Restoration Local address the problem permanently. Call 888-681-1071 now for a visual inspection and a free quote on mold removal.
