Mold is a common household problem that can cause health issues and damage your home. Keeping indoor humidity at the right level is key to preventing mold growth. So what is a suitable humidity level to help prevent mold?
The ideal indoor humidity level to prevent mold is between 30% and 50%. Keeping humidity below 60% will make it difficult for mold to grow.
While that’s the short answer, there’s a bit more to it. Different areas of your home may have different humidity levels, and factors like temperature and ventilation play a role too. Keep reading to learn how to measure and control humidity in your space to keep mold at bay.
What Areas Of The Home Are Most Prone To High Humidity?
Certain areas of your home are more likely to have high humidity levels. Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements are the usual culprits. Steam from hot showers and cooking can quickly raise humidity if there’s not enough ventilation. Basements are often damp due to lack of air flow and being surrounded by moist soil.
If you’ve recently had to deal with getting rid of mold in your home, take note of which rooms in your house had the biggest issues with mold, and be extra careful to keep the humidity levels in those rooms at least below 60% consistently.
Laundry rooms can also get humid, especially if the dryer isn’t vented properly. And during summer months, any room can be prone to higher humidity as warm air holds more moisture. Keep an eye on these areas and take steps to reduce moisture if needed.
How Can You Measure Indoor Humidity Levels?
To know if your indoor humidity is in the sweet spot, you’ll need a way to measure it. The easiest tool for this is a hygrometer, which looks like a thermometer but measures moisture in the air instead of temperature. You can find them at most hardware stores or online.
Place hygrometers in different rooms to get a sense of humidity throughout your home. Check them daily to see if the levels are staying in the 30-50% range. If you notice humidity consistently above 60%, it’s time to take action to bring it down.
What Steps Can You Take To Lower Indoor Humidity?
If your hygrometer readings are high, there are several things you can do to reduce indoor humidity:
– Run a dehumidifier, especially in damp areas like the basement
– Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen, and make sure they vent outside
– Fix any leaks promptly, as water feeds mold growth
– Avoid air drying laundry indoors
– Ensure your dryer vents properly to the outside
– Open windows when weather allows to improve air circulation
By monitoring humidity and taking proactive steps, you can keep indoor moisture low and make your home an unwelcome environment for mold. Your nose (and your health) will thank you!
What’s The Relationship Between Temperature And Humidity?
Temperature and humidity are closely linked. Warm air can hold more moisture than cool air, so a room that feels stuffy in the summer may be perfectly comfortable in the winter even at the same humidity percentage. That’s why it’s important to consider both temperature and humidity.
Aim to keep indoor temperatures between 68°F and 78°F. If you need to lower humidity, bringing the temperature down can help. Conversely, if indoor air feels dry in the winter, using a humidifier to add moisture can make the space more comfortable without having to crank up the heat.
Can Plants Help With Indoor Humidity Control?
Absolutely! Certain houseplants can be great natural humidity regulators. Plants release moisture through their leaves in a process called transpiration. This can help add humidity to dry indoor air, especially in winter.
Some of the best plants for increasing humidity include:
– Spider plant
– Boston ferns
– Peace lilies
– Rubber plants
– Areca palms
On the flip side, if humidity is too high, plants can help absorb excess moisture from the air. English ivy, reed palms, and tillandsia (air plants) are particularly effective at this. Strategic placement of houseplants may help you strike the perfect humidity balance in your home.
Breathe Easy In Your Healthy Home
Now that you know the ideal humidity range for preventing mold, grab a hygrometer and start monitoring the moisture levels in your home. If you notice any rooms creeping above 60% humidity, take action to bring those levels down using the tips we covered. Your home will thank you, and you’ll breathe easier knowing you’re keeping mold at bay!