Mould is a common problem in many homes. It can cause health issues and damage your home. The key is to control moisture and humidity to prevent mould from growing in the first place. Here are my top tips for stopping mould before it starts.
Keep Humidity Levels Low
The most important step is to control humidity levels in your home. Mould loves moisture and thrives in humid environments.
- Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels. Ideal indoor humidity is between 30-50%.
- Run a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. Use it in damp areas like basements.
- Make sure your home is properly ventilated to allow moisture to escape. Open windows or run fans.
- Use exhaust fans when cooking, showering or doing laundry. Vent them outside.
- Consider getting an air conditioner or HVAC system with a dehumidifier setting.
Maintaining low humidity prevents condensation and moisture buildup on surfaces where mould can grow.
Find and Fix Moisture Problems
It’s also important to identify and repair any moisture issues in your home:
- Fix leaky plumbing and pipes right away to prevent water damage.
- Repair leaks around windows, doors, walls, roofs and foundations.
- Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation.
- Use a dehumidifier to dry out damp basements and crawlspaces.
- Insulate cold surfaces like exterior walls and pipes to reduce condensation.
Eliminating excess moisture deprives mould of the damp conditions it needs to thrive.
Properly Ventilate Kitchens and Bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms need extra attention due to cooking steam, showers, etc.
- Always run bathroom exhaust fans during and after showering.
- Use range hoods when cooking and allow them to run for a bit after.
- Make sure vents are properly connected to ductwork that leads outdoors.
- Leave bathroom and shower doors open after use so moisture can dissipate.
Ventilating these rooms removes the humidity mould needs.
Maintain Good Housekeeping
How you maintain your home also affects mould growth:
- Clean and dry any condensation or spills right away so moisture doesn’t linger.
- Avoid carpeting damp areas like basements. Use tiles instead.
- Clean gutters and outdoor drains to prevent water pooling near your home.
- Allow air circulation around belongings stored in damp basements or sheds.
- Run AC even when not home to control humidity.
Good housekeeping limits excess moisture and prevents mould-friendly conditions.
Know Your Risk Areas
Certain areas in a home are more prone to mould growth. Watch for it in:
- Basements and crawlspaces – Seal cracks and improve ventilation.
- Bathrooms – Properly vent showers and baths.
- Ceilings, walls or tiles – May signal roof leaks or pipe condensation.
- Around windows and doors – Caulk and seal any gaps.
- AC drip pans or ducts – Ensure drainage systems work properly.
Regularly check high-risk locations and act quickly if you detect any mould.
The key takeaway? Preventing mould requires controlling humidity and quickly fixing damp conditions in the home before growth can occur. The effort is well worth it for your health and home. With proper moisture control and vigilance, you can stop mould in its tracks.
