Dehumidifiers are appliances commonly used to reduce humidity levels indoors. By removing moisture from the air, they can help prevent mold growth and control musty odors. However, some people wonder if dehumidifiers can actually contribute to mold spreading throughout a home. In short, the answer is yes – dehumidifiers can potentially spread mold if not used and maintained properly.
In this article, we’ll explore how dehumidifiers work, reasons why they can unintentionally spread mold spores, tips to prevent this from happening, and when you may need professional mold remediation services. Read on to learn more about the complex relationship between dehumidifiers and mold growth.
How Do Dehumidifiers Work?
Dehumidifiers reduce indoor humidity by drawing moist air over cooled metal coils. The moisture condenses and drips into a reservoir tank. The dehumidified air is then reheated and circulated back into the room.
This process successfully decreases relative humidity, making the air feel drier. But it also pulls in air from around the appliance, including air that contains microscopic mold spores.
Key Points:
- Dehumidifiers draw air over cooled coils to condense moisture.
- This process reduces humidity but also pulls mold spores into the appliance.
- The spores can then spread through the room as dehumidified air circulates.
How Can Dehumidifiers Spread Mold?
There are a few ways that dehumidifiers can contribute to the spread of mold in a home:
Disturbing and blowing spores:
If mold is already growing in a home, the dehumidifier will pull mold spores into the air flow and blow them around the room. Even if you don’t see large mold colonies, spores could be lurking in hidden areas like wall cavities or crawl spaces.
Disturbing these spores makes them airborne. The dehumidifier essentially spreads them throughout the indoor space rather than containing the problem.
Spreading hidden mold growth:
In some cases, mold may be growing inside the dehumidifier itself. This can happen if condensation or leaks occur but go unnoticed. The mold colonies are hidden from view but get blown into the room’s air.
Creating optimal conditions:
If humidity levels are too high, dehumidifiers can bring them down to the 40-50% range that allows mold to thrive. Mold needs moisture to grow, and dehumidifiers provide ideal humidity conditions in damp spaces.
Key Points:
- Dehumidifiers can blow around existing spores.
- Mold can grow unseen inside the appliance.
- They create humidity levels that allow mold to propagate.
How to Prevent Dehumidifiers From Spreading Mold
To avoid having your dehumidifier inadvertently spread mold, follow these best practices:
Clean and maintain the unit:
Follow all manufacturer guidelines for cleaning your dehumidifier. This includes frequently cleaning the filter and evaporator coils so they don’t become clogged with dust and debris. Clean the reservoir tank to prevent any mildew or algae growth. Also check that all interior parts are dry – condensation can allow mold to grow.
Replace air filters as needed to keep good airflow through the appliance.
Address high humidity and leaks:
Only use a dehumidifier if you have an underlying humidity issue. Make sure any moisture sources like leaks are fully repaired first. Prevent condensation by improving air circulation and ventilation. This will provide a less hospitable environment for mold.
Run at proper settings:
Don’t over-dry your space. Keep the humidity between 30-50% to deter mold growth. Also make sure the dehumidifier is sized appropriately for the room. An oversized unit can create extremely dry conditions that may feel cooler but still enable mold.
Key Points:
- Clean and maintain the dehumidifier according to instructions.
- Fix any leaks and ventilation issues first.
- Use proper humidity settings for your space.
Signs Your Dehumidifier Is Spreading Mold
Watch for these signs that your dehumidifier may be contributing to a mold issue:
- Musty, earthy odor from the dehumidifier’s vent
- Visible mold growth on the filter or other parts
- Small black or brown flecks blowing out with the air
- Increased household dust
- Worsening respiratory issues when the unit is running
- New mysterious stains or moisture on walls and windows
- Moisture dripping from unit or reservoir overflowing
If you notice any of these warning signs, discontinue use and have your dehumidifier professionally inspected. The visible mold is likely just a small part of the contamination.
Key Points:
- Musty smells from the dehumidifier can indicate mold growth inside.
- Black specks blowing from the vents are mold spores.
- Worsening moisture problems point to an improper humidity range.
Professional Mold Remediation
If your dehumidifier has been spreading mold spores, you’ll likely need professional remediation to eliminate the contamination. Trying to clean it up yourself can just expose you to the mold and push spores deeper into porous materials.
Remediation involves:
- Assessing how far the mold has spread
- Safely containing the affected area
- Removing contaminated materials
- Cleaning remaining surfaces with antimicrobials
- Drying out any excess moisture
- Taking steps to prevent future mold growth
Special equipment like respirators, heavy-duty air scrubbers, and dehumidifiers are used. Extensive mold growth may require reconstruction work.
Key Points:
- Professional remediation properly contains and removes mold.
- Attempting DIY cleanup can worsen the infestation.
- Experts have specialized tools to dry, disinfect, and reconstruct.
Conclusion
Dehumidifiers can certainly contribute to the spread of mold if used incorrectly or allowed to become contaminated themselves. By understanding how dehumidifiers work, practicing preventive maintenance, running at proper settings, and watching for signs of mold, you can avoid having your humidity-control efforts backfire. But if a dehumidifier has created a large-scale mold issue, call in the professionals to thoroughly clean and restore your home’s indoor environment.