What Steps Can Be Taken to Prevent Mold Growth in My Home?

Mold and Temperature

• Mold can grow in almost any temperature. It can grow in warm, temperate climates and even inside freezers. Mold does not grow according to temperature, but according to other environmental conditions, including the amount of moisture and types of nutrients available. Nutrients that encourage mold growth can include soil- and plant-based materials such as wood or paper.
  
  

Mold and Moisture

• The risk of mold is based on the presence and persistence of moisture. Mold spores germinate (breed) when they become saturated and a continuous source of moisture will provide ample time for colonization. Temperature does not play a role in growth, but humidity does.
  
  

Mold and Humidity

• Humidity is the measurement of water vapor in the atmosphere. In large amounts, humidity can provide ample moisture for mold growth. Focus on humidity, not temperature, when tackling the prevention of mold growth. Use dry heat to evaporate moisture and prevent mold on surfaces affected by spills or leaks. For example, dry damp clothes in the sun or dry upholstery using a hair dryer. If the interior of your home is humid, you need to follow a more specific mold-fighting strategy.
  
  

Preventing Mold

• Prevent mold from developing inside your home by running portable dehumidifiers. The Mayo Clinic recommends maintaining indoor humidity below 50 percent to prevent mold growth. You can measure humidity levels inside your home by installing a humidistat, or a relative humidity sensor, sold in home supply stores.