Does a dehumidifier kill mould?

Have you ever noticed mold growing on your windows or getting into bathroom grouting? Even if you can’t see it, you can tell it’s there just by the smell. Mold growth in homes is a very common problem, and the culprit is excess moisture in the air. Mold spores thrive in warm, humid environments and can quickly spread throughout your home if left unchecked. High humidity levels can lead to mold growth on walls, ceilings, carpets. Practically everywhere.

While something as simple as cracking open a window can help, it’s not always practical. Especially in wintertime, when you can be spending a fortune on keeping your house at a comfortable temperature. But there’s tech that can help keep humidity under control - especially dehumidifiers. But can a dehumdifier actually kill mould? And what else can you do to prevent and remove mould growth?

Currys Business has got (almost) all the answers…

How do dehumidifiers work?

You’ll probably know that humidifiers remove excess moisture from the air. But you may not know that there are broadly two types of dehumdifier - compressor and desiccant. However, the principle is basically the same: the dehumidifier fan sucks in humid air, which then either uses cooled coils or an absorbent material to collect moisture and store it (in a tank) or get rid of it it (through a hose.)

And since mould thrives in humidity and need a water source, dehumidifers make it much harder for mould to thrive. So while a dehumdifier can’t literally kill mould, it can stop mould from multiplying and spreading by depriving it of water.

Picking the right dehumidifier to reduce mould

To choose the right dehumidifier for your house (or just for the room which is the biggest problem) you need to think about the size of the room, level of humidity and the amount of moisture that needs to be removed. Look for a dehumidifier with a high moisture removal rate, automatic shut-off and a low noise level. You should also check the energy efficiency rating on your dehumidifier to save on electricity costs. We’ve listed some great examples below, but you can get a thorough breakdown in our article on the best dehumidifiers for ditching the damp, which covers everything from bathrooms and bedrooms to best small dehumidifers.

Placement and maintenance tips

To get your dehumidifier working most efficiently, place the dehumidifier in the centre of the room, away from walls and furniture to ensure proper air circulation. If it’s a large room and you’ve got a problem area, then you can place the dehumidier right next to the damp patch. Just be sure to keep it 6 inches away from the wall. And to keep it working well…

• Clean the air filter regularly: A dirty air filter can block airflow and reduce the efficiency of your dehumidifier. Clean the air filter regularly in water, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Empty the water container: Be sure to empty the water container regularly to prevent overflowing and damage to your dehumidifier. Plus, you don’t want mold building up in your dehumidifier either!
• Keep the unit on a level surface: A dehumidifier that isn't level won’t work properly, so be sure to place it on a level surface.
• Maintain the correct humidity level: Most homes humidity level should be between 30% and 50%. If you set your dehumidifier to a much higher or lower setting, it may have to work much harder, reducing its lifespan.

Don’t just rely on your dehumidier

While dehumidifiers can help reduce moisture levels and prevent mould growth, they’re only part of tackling damp and mould. While they remove excess moisture from the air, they don’t address the root cause of mould growth. It's also important to note that dehumidifiers can only work effectively in enclosed spaces (like individual rooms) and aren’t so effective in larger, more open areas. If high moisture levels in your home are being caused by a burst pipe, damaged brickwork or a drainage issues, you’ll need to take action to tackle that to improve things in the long term.

Is mould bad for your health?

While some level of mould is a perfectly normal part of indoor living, prolonged exposure to mould and high humidity levels can lead to a range of health problems. These can range from allergies and respiratory issues to headaches. If you already suffer from asthma or breathing difficulties, they can be further aggravated too. So it's essential to maintain proper humidity levels and prevent mould growth to ensure a healthy living environment.

Practical tips for a mold-free home

Stopping mould growth is all about reducing humidity. Whether that means putting lids on pans when boiling water, opening a bathroom window while showering or just opening windows for 10 minutes every day, here are some things you can do to help keep mold at bay.

• Clean and dry surfaces regularly to prevant mould growth
• Wipe the condensation of windows with a towel
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to improve ventilation
• Repair water damage or leaks promptly
• Use air conditioning or a dehumidifier to control humidity levels
• Monitor indoor humidity levels and maintain levels between 30% and 50%
• Ensure proper drainage and gutters to prevent water buildup

FAQs

What's better for mould? Air purifier vs dehumidifier

While both air purifiers and dehumidifiers can be effective in reducing mould, they work in different ways. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture to prevent mould growth, while air purifiers filter out mould spores and other allergens from the air. To maximize mold prevention, use a combination of both an air purifier and dehumidifier.

Is a humidifier or dehumidifier better for mould? 

A dehumidifier is better for mould prevention, as it removes excess moisture from the air to prevent mould growth. A humidifier, on the other hand, adds moisture to the air, which can promote mould growth if humidity levels are not properly maintained.

How do you get rid of mould on walls permanently?

Getting rid of mould on walls permanently requires identifying and addressing the root cause of excess moisture. This can include repairing leaks or water damage, improving ventilation, and reducing humidity levels with a dehumidifier. Once the root cause has been addressed, remove the mould with a solution of water and vinegar or bleach, and ensure the area is thoroughly dry and ventilated.