Waltz Around Mold
(steps to avoid moisture and mold in the home)

Behaviors to Reduce Risk for Mold

Here are some things you can begin to do now to reduce your risk.

  1. Prevent excessive moisture levels in the air in the house by using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens where moisture is often generated. (The addition of one pint of moisture will raise the relative humidity of a 1,500 square foot home by about eight percentage points; 40% to 48%. A ten minute shower produces 1 pint, an unvented combustion heater produces about 7.5 pints for each gallon of fuel burned, respiration by a family of four produces about 0.4 pint per hour.)
  2. Use a hygrometer to monitor the relative humidity in your home. It should be maintained between 30% and 60% RH, depending on the season.

    photo of hygrometer display showing controls and readings

  3. Be on the lookout for dampness or wet spots throughout the house.
  4. Operate HVAC system or window unit AC to control relative humidity in hot, humid climates.
  5. Supplement the AC system with a dehumidifier to maintain desirable relative humidity in the home (30%–60%).

    photo of dehumidifier under desk

  6. When watering landscape, make sure water does not hit the side of the dwelling or pond around the foundation.

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Controlling Moisture to Control Mold Mini-Course developed by Janie L. Harris, M.Ed., CRS, Extension Housing and Environment Specialist, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M System, College Station, Texas.

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Last updated: 26 July, 2010

Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.