Can Dehumidifiers Prevent Mould Growth?

• What is mould and how is it caused?
• The health risks of mould
• What are dehumidifiers and air purifiers?
• Can dehumidifiers kill mould?
• What to do if mould is in your home?
• Get in touch

Condensation on windows is commonplace in Britain’s homes, especially when temperatures plunge and the humidity climbs. This problem is not just unsightly, but it can also cause mould.

At ICE Cleaning, we provide high-quality mould removal services. Our Dewpoint-accredited technicians can remove all traces of the mould from the surfaces and the air, and then advise on how to stop it coming back in the future. They are available nationwide, 24/7, 365 days a year.

Keep reading to find out whether a dehumidifier could prevent mould in your home.

What is mould and how is it caused?

Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in warm and moist environments. It eats dead organic materials, and can grow on and damage your belongings and property, like the walls and carpets.

The main causes of mould are easy to miss, but also preventable. Spotting these early can reduce the risks of mould. They include:

• Humidity 
• Condensation
• Damp structures
• Poor ventilation

The health risks of mould

Exposure to mould can harm your health. Mould releases allergens and irritants which can cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes, sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose. Some types of mould can even produce toxic substances.

Certain groups are more susceptible to severe reactions, including those with allergies and asthma, the elderly, young people, and people who are immunocompromised.

If you spot any in your home, you must not attempt to remove it yourself. Without personal protective equipment to stop you from touching, inhaling, or ingesting spores, you risk compromising your health.

You also might not remove all of it and put people that live with you in danger. Basic cleaning products or DIY solutions may remove the unsightly patches of mould, but it will continue to grow and spread without professional intervention.

Instead, bring in cleaners to remediate the mould. Although removal should be left up to them, there are several ways to prevent mould in your home, such as reducing excess moisture in the air and ventilating your property.

What are dehumidifiers and air purifiers?

Dehumidifiers are air conditioning devices that remove moisture in the air and keep the area’s humidity at an acceptable level. 

They work by preventing mould and mildew growth, as well as reducing the amount of condensation build-up on your windows. There are two types of dehumidifiers:

• Compressors (refrigerants) – recommended for warm rooms
• Desiccants – best suited in unheated rooms and other conditions

By choosing the right dehumidifier, you can stop mould growing or it from coming back after a mould removal.

Air purifiers do not prevent mould as much as dehumidifiers do, but when used together, the air purifier can capture mould spores. It will not treat active mould, but it can certainly ensure it does not spread further.

Can dehumidifiers kill mould?

Dehumidifiers and air purifiers can stop it spreading, but will not kill it at the source. Only professional mould cleaners with specialist equipment and products will effectively remediate all the mould in your property.

They should then help you identify the cause, like a leaky roof, or condensation in a specific room, so you can fix it and stop mould returning. 

What to do if mould is in your home?

Even though you may feel equipped to tackle the mould by yourself, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Not only will this protect you from exposure, but you can be sure they will effectively tackle the mould problem so it does not spread further.

Here at ICE Cleaning, we provide mould cleaning services as well as drying programmes. Our drying programmes include a dehumidifier to make sure the mould can’t grow back. It’s highly recommended that you consider both to get rid of the mould for good. 

Get in touch

Whether it’s in your home, office, or workplace, our qualified technicians can eradicate any mould and stop it returning. At the end of our mould remediation service, we will issue you a 24-month mould guarantee* and prevention advice going forward.

Get in touch with us today on 0208 066 0360 or at enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk for a free quote and on-site survey at no extra cost.

*subject to advisories