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Controlling Moisture

Controlling Moisture. Steps to a Healthy Home Series. Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.

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Controlling Moisture

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  1. Controlling Moisture Steps to a Healthy Home Series Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating

  2. Problems Associated with Moisture • Too much moisture can cause mold and mildew. • Some people are sensitive to mold. • Too little moisture can cause respiratory problems. • Adding moisture must be monitored.

  3. The Effects of Moisture in the Air

  4. Relative Humidity • Monitor the relative humidity in your home. • If the humidity is high, don’t keep a lot of house plants. • Cut down on steam in the bathroom. Run a fan that is vented to the outside, or open a window. • Run a fan vented to the outside when cooking. • If you have a dryer, make sure it is vented to the outside – not to the crawl space, interior room, or attic. • Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to dry out damp areas.

  5. Adding Moisture • If the relative humidity is very low < 20%, you can face different issues in your home. • Most households can increase the humidity level through daily activities (cooking, cleaning, showering, etc.). • Some households may need to use a humidifier.

  6. Tips for Controlling Humidity • Follow the directions when using a humidifier. • With an air conditioner, use the “auto fan” setting. • Circulate air in problem areas. • Monitor the relative humidity.

  7. To Avoid Mold Growth • Keep surfaces clean and dry. • Wipe up spills and overflows right away. • Store clothes and towels clean and dry. • Don’t leave water in drip pans, basements, and air conditioners. • Wipe down shower walls with a squeegee or towel after bathing or showering.

  8. To Avoid Mold Growth • Prevent moisture from collecting on windows. • Use storm windows. • Seal the windows with a plastic film. • Keep the relative humidity 30-40% in winter time. • Repair plumbing leaks. • Discard carpeting, plaster board, insulation, or other materials that have been wet for more than 24 hours.

  9. To Avoid Mold Growth • Use downspouts and gutters. • Slope the soil and landscape away from your house’s foundation. • Repair leaking roofs, walls, doors, and windows. • Cover basement window wells if they leak.

  10. Tracking Down Mold & Mildew • Anywhere there is moisture or water, mold can grow. • Check under sinks, on the floor at the base of the shower or tub, and on window seals. • Check under and around appliances.

  11. Tracking Down Mold & Mildew • Mold/mildew also grow on “wet” appliances — like air conditioners, dehumidifiers (appliances that remove moisture from the air), and humidifiers (appliances that add moisture to the air). • Follow manufacturer’s instructions to change filters and clean appliances regularly.

  12. Controlling Moisture • Some sources of moisture are hard to detect. • Get the help of a professional if you suspect excessive moisture and you can not locate the cause.

  13. Clean Up • To clean up areas of mold greater than 15 square feet, hire a professional to get rid of it. (See Extension publication ER027 – Selecting Mold Remediation Contractors at https://agrilifebookstore.org/.) • Clean up mold with a mixture of laundry detergent, dishwashing soap or TSP (trisodium phosphate), and water. • After mold is cleaned off, use a mixture of chlorine bleach and water to disinfect.

  14. Clean Up • Personal protection is recommended if you clean up the mold yourself. Use a mask rated N-95, splash goggles, and rubber gloves. • After cleaning mold, using a high efficiency (HEPA) vacuum or air cleaner may help to get rid of mold spores in the air.

  15. Controlling Moisture → Healthier Home • Benefits people with asthma or allergies • Benefits small children, people with long-term illness, and older people

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