10 Easy Ways to Keep Your Home Mold-Free

Balancing life as a mom and managing a household is tough enough without the added stress of mold creeping into my corners. It’s not just about the musty smell or the spots on the walls—it’s about the air my little ones are breathing!

Honestly, who has the time to battle mold on top of everything else? Not us! That’s why I’ve done the legwork to find effective ways to prevent mold from making itself at home in your space. Let’s keep your home mold-free, so you can keep focusing on the fun parts of life.

Cover Your Crawl Space Floor

If you’ve ever wondered where all that musty smell comes from in older homes, a lot of times, it’s the crawl space. It’s not just a creepy area under the house; it’s a major entry point for moisture. Groundwater can seep in and increase humidity levels, which is basically a welcome mat for mold.

Laying down a thick plastic vapor barrier—think 6 mil polyethylene or even landscaper’s plastic—can trap that moisture in the ground where it belongs. For those who need to access these areas frequently, upgrading to a 20 mil plastic ensures it won’t tear on you.

Add a Dehumidifier

Let’s face it, running the AC non-stop isn’t the only way to keep your home dry. A dehumidifier can be a game changer, especially in those humid months. For an even better solution, consider a whole-house dehumidifier.

Yes, they can be pricey—up to $1,800—but they integrate with your HVAC system and continuously work to pull moisture from the air throughout your entire home, draining directly so it’s hassle-free.

On the other hand, if you’re dealing with just the occasional dampness, a portable dehumidifier might be enough to tackle those musty corners without breaking the bank.

Properly Size Your AC Unit

Ensuring your AC unit is just right for your home isn’t just about comfort—it’s about preventing mold, too. An oversized AC can cycle off too quickly, not dehumidifying the air properly, while a too-small unit runs nonstop, struggling to cool down your home efficiently. This can lead to moisture issues that are perfect for mold.

It’s worth getting a professional to assess your space, or checking out an Energy Star guideline to find the right fit. A correctly sized unit keeps the air cool and dry, making your home a less inviting place for mold.

Monitor Humidity

Keeping an eye on indoor humidity is a must, especially in those steamy summer months when the air feels like soup.

An indoor humidity monitor can be your best friend, helping you ensure levels stay healthy—between 35% and 50%. When the humidity creeps up to 60%, it’s time to hunt down excess moisture sources before mold gets a foothold. And at 70% humidity? Mold can start partying.

Investing in a good humidity monitor might cost a bit upfront, but it’s a small price to pay for keeping your home healthy and mold-free.

Regularly Inspect for Leaks

In our house, even a tiny leak can turn into a big headache if it goes unnoticed, especially with little ones around. Regularly check under sinks, behind the fridge, and anywhere your plumbing makes a presence. It’s all about catching those sneaky drips before they invite mold into your home.

Last year, a small leak behind our washing machine had us pulling everything out to tackle mold that had started to set up camp—definitely not something any busy parent wants to deal with!

Clean and Dry Wet Areas Immediately

With kids and a full schedule, wet towels or spills can easily be overlooked, but they’re prime spots for mold to grow. Make it a rule to dry out anything wet as soon as possible. Use those bath towels once and get them straight into the dryer.

Spilled some water or juice? Wipe it up right away. And if the unthinkable happens and you get some water damage—like we did last spring—bringing in a dehumidifier can be a game changer. Keeping your home dry might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in preventing mold and keeping your family healthy.

Control Indoor Climate

Keeping your home’s climate in check is key to preventing mold. During those sticky, hot days, it’s tempting to crank the AC up and down, but finding a middle ground is crucial.

Aim to keep your thermostat steady around 78 degrees Fahrenheit. This setting helps the air conditioner dehumidify your space without overcooling and causing condensation on colder surfaces—exactly what mold needs to thrive.

Shut Windows and Doors When the AC Is On

It’s easy to forget and leave a window cracked or a door ajar, especially when rushing out the door. However, when your air conditioning is working, those open windows and doors aren’t just letting cool air out; they’re inviting humid air in, setting the stage for mold.

Make it a habit to check that all windows and doors are securely closed to maintain a drier and more efficient environment at home. Plus, keeping your home around 80 degrees when you’re not there avoids creating a hot, damp playground for mold.

Call a Professional

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, mold issues can be tricky to pin down and even trickier to fix. If you’re spinning your wheels and can’t locate the source of the moisture, or if the problem seems bigger than a DIY fix, it might be time to call in a professional.

A qualified home inspector or indoor air quality consultant can be a lifesaver. Make sure they have credentials from reputable organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors or the Indoor Air Quality Association.

Yes, it can cost a bit—expect to start around $250—but catching and solving the issue early could save you heaps down the line.

Equip Your Home With Mold-Resistant Products

When you’re building a new spot or giving your old place a facelift, it’s the perfect time to think ahead about mold prevention. Opt for mold-resistant materials like special drywall or Sheetrock and mold inhibitors for paints.

Traditional drywall is a magnet for mold as it’s made with paper, but mold-resistant types are made with a fiberglass face that keeps the moisture—and thus mold—at bay. It’s particularly wise to use in wet-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Sure, it might cost a bit more upfront, but it’s a solid investment against potential mold and expensive future repairs.