How to Prevent Mold in a Humid Florida Home

Florida's humidity gives mold everything it needs. The good news: mold cannot grow without moisture, so controlling moisture prevents most problems.

1. Keep indoor humidity under 60 percent

Many experts suggest keeping indoor relative humidity between about 30 and 50 percent, and under 60 percent at most. An inexpensive hygrometer lets you check.

• Run the AC. It removes humidity as it cools. Do not turn it off when you leave for vacation; raise the temperature instead.
• Right size AC. An oversized unit cools fast and shuts off before it removes enough moisture.
• Dehumidifier in damp spots like closets or rooms with poor airflow.

2. Ventilate wet rooms

• Run bathroom fans during showers and for 20 to 30 minutes after.
• Make sure fans vent outside, not into the attic.
• Use the range hood when cooking.
• Vent the clothes dryer outside and clean the vent.

3. Find and fix leaks fast

Mold can start within 24 to 48 hours on wet materials. Check regularly:

• Under sinks and around toilets
• Around the AC indoor unit and its drain pan
• Ceilings below bathrooms and the AC
• Windows and doors after heavy rain
• The water heater

4. Keep water away from the house

• Clean gutters and extend downspouts.
• Make sure soil slopes away from the foundation.
• Keep sprinklers from spraying the walls.

5. Do not let air sit still

Keep furniture a few inches off exterior walls, leave closet doors open sometimes, and run ceiling fans.

Cleaning small spots

For small areas of mold on hard surfaces, clean with detergent and water and dry completely. Wear gloves and eye protection. Do not mix cleaners, especially bleach and ammonia.

When to call a pro

• Mold covers a large area (roughly more than 10 square feet)
• It keeps coming back
• There is a musty smell but you cannot find the source
• Mold after flooding or sewage backup
• Anyone in the home has health issues made worse by mold

Frequently asked questions

Why does my house smell musty with the AC on?

Often a dirty coil, a clogged condensate drain, leaky ducts or an oversized system. Have an HVAC pro check it.

Does painting over mold fix it?

No. It hides it. Fix the moisture, clean or remove the material, then paint.

Post your mold or moisture job and get bids from local pros, or find a damage cleanup pro near you.