Will a Dehumidifier Help with Mould?

Mould (or so-called mold) is a common issue in households, buildings, and even offices. More than an eyesore, it can cause serious health problems and risks damaging a property if left untreated in the long term. Getting rid of mould and stopping it from coming back are extremely time-consuming and require great effort. In this guide, you will learn what causes mould, its effects, and why a dehumidifier is one of the most effective tools for prevention.

What Is Mould and How Does It Affect Your Health and Home?

Mould is a type of fungus that grows in humid and moist environments. It can appear anywhere, from homes to workplaces or even outdoor areas where humidity persists for a long time. According to the Government Guide on Damp and Mould, mould has negative effects on both human health and building structure if it's not resolved in the right manner.

Mould is the direct cause of many respiratory conditions. It can trigger mild symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. After a long period, more serious conditions can emerge, such as aspergillosis, rhinitis, asthma, and so on. Moulds are stated to be particularly harmful to people with weak immune systems and underlying health conditions.

Will Dehumidifiers Help with Mould?

Yes, a dehumidifier will help prevent mould by reducing humidity and put a stop to excessive moisture. A dehumidifier draws in moist air, passes it over cooled coils or a moisture-absorbing material, and condenses the water vapour into a collection tank. The drier air is then released back into the room, lowering the overall dampness level.

Industrial dehumidifiers remove large volumes of moisture quickly, making them indispensable in settings far beyond the home. One unit can absorb up to 48 litres of moisture per day, which is extremely efficient in preventing dampness in construction projects and warehouses. These portable devices are rugged and reliable when rapid moisture control is critical.

However, keep in mind that a dehumidifier can't remove mould on its own. While it can help to dry out surfaces and extract moisture from the air, you'll still need to identify and remove the root causes of mould. These causes can be external, such as weather, and natural ground conditions, or internal, such as broken pipes, condensation on cold surfaces, or poorly ventilated rooms.

When to Use a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are useful for preventing the growth of mould in various spaces. Here are some situations where you can use a dehumidifier to keep your surroundings fresh and mould-free.

After a Leak or Floor

Any leak or flooding problems in your building and construction sites can easily lead to mould since it increases the level of humidity in the air. You may quickly see visible damp in the corner where the leak or flood occurred. In this situation, you need to take immediate action to stop the water source and dry the space thoroughly. However, these spots are often in a poorly ventilated corner, which means the surface might take forever to dry.

That’s when a dehumidifier comes to the rescue. The unit works to pull excess moisture from the air and, therefore, accelerates drying of walls, floors, and furnishings. The air is filtered to eliminate any unpleasant smell. Dehumidifiers can be of use in many following days to keep the humidity levels consistently normal.

Hiring a high-capacity dehumidifier accelerates drying and ensures mould doesn’t linger. Speedy offers the newest models at excellent rates, so you can save money and see results fast. Check out the Dri-Eaz Cube Dehumidifier for powerful, temporary humidity reduction in restoration, construction, or any space that needs rapid drying!

In Damp Space

Damp spaces are a great environment for mould to thrive. Condensation can come from everyday activities like cooking, showering, and drying clothes indoors. Dampness is also common in warehouses, construction sites, decorating projects, or as a result of flood damage. Over time, this can lead to stubborn mould growth and unpleasant odours.

While you work on improving ventilation, a dehumidifier helps keep indoor humidity low enough to prevent mould. It may not be practical to invest heavily in a dehumidifier you’ll rarely use. Hiring a dehumidifier eliminates concerns about storage and maintenance. At Speedy, we also provide expert advice and outstanding customer service to help you choose the right model for your needs.

During Winter

Winter brings the best combination of conditions for mould to thrive: higher indoor humidity, cold surfaces, and limited airflow. Before you realise, a few winter months can leave your home and property with black mould on walls, ceilings, and even on clothes and fabrics.

Act now to keep your home mould-free and safeguard your respiratory health this winter. Speedy provides nationwide dehumidifier hire with 4-hour delivery or same-day pick-up from 200+ UK depots. 

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Further Guide to Remove Mould

Fully eliminating mould requires a thorough, multi-step process. Below is a summary of the key actions needed to remove black mould from your home or buildings.

Identifying the Source of Dampness

Mould only appears when there is excessive moisture. Thus, the first step is always to find the source of damp within your property. Some examples are leaking pipes, blocked gutters, and poor insulation.

Clean Affected Areas

The next step is to clean every surface where mould is visible. This can be walls, windowsills, carpets, or furniture. Always ensure safety by wearing suitable clothes and equipment before using a mould remover solution to wipe and dry the surface. For more information, read our guide on how to get rid of mould in specific areas. 

Prevent Future Growth of Mould

Once the mould is gone, the next step is to take action to prevent it from returning in the future. The most effective ways to keep your home free from mould are:

• Ventilation: Open windows and doors to make sure all rooms and spaces have airflow and are effectively ventilated.

• Cleanliness: Regularly clean and get rid of condensation on windows, tiles, or any damp spots

• Humidity Maintenance: Keeping the humidity level to a minimum, ideally at 40-50%.

Use a dehumidifier to control moisture

A dehumidifier is one of the most effective tools for fast moisture control. For the best results, make sure you follow these instructions when using a humidifier:

• Place it in the centre of the room or near the damp areas.
• Close the window and doors to prevent more humid air from entering.
• Aim for 30% to 50% humidity, which is suitable for occupants but also prevents mould from growing.
• Keep dehumidifiers running until you think the problem is solved.
• Empty the water tank regularly for drainage and clean the filter.
• Combine with other methods to fix the direct source of dampness.

Best Dehumidifiers for Mould Prevention

There are two main technologies used in dehumidifiers to reduce the moisture level: compressor and desiccant. They work in different ways and perform well under different conditions. Choose the best dehumidifiers for your property to get the results you want!

Feature	Compressor Dehumidifier	Desiccant Dehumidifier
How it Works	Cools air on refrigerated coils so moisture condenses into water.	Passes air through a moisture-absorbing wheel that’s gently heated to release water.
Best Temperature	Warm rooms	Cool or unheated spaces
Noise & Weight	Louder and heavier	Quieter and lighter.
Air Output	Neutral or slightly cool.	Slightly warm
Typical Use	Heated homes, offices.	Garages, basements, holiday homes.

Compressor Dehumidifiers

Compressor dehumidifiers are also called refrigerant dehumidifiers. This type of dehumidifier is more suitable in warm and humid rooms. Humid air is collected and run through the unit, including a filter to remove dust and unwanted particles.

Then, using cold refrigerated coils, the water vapour is condensed and turned into liquid water, which is stored in a removable tank for easy disposal. The filtered air is run through the warmer side of the coil before being released back into the room. They are best for warm or heated rooms, offices, and everyday household use. 

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Desiccant Dehumidifiers

Desiccant dehumidifiers, on the other hand, use a desiccant wheel, which contains a material that naturally absorbs moisture. Air is run through the wheel, and any water vapour is captured, even at low temperatures.

The moisture is then condensed and drains into a tank. Because of this mechanism, desiccant dehumidifiers are suitable for cool or unheated areas where compressor units won't achieve maximum efficiency. 

Hire Dehumidifiers from Speedy Today!

Don't wait for dampness to turn into a mouldy problem. Keep humidity under control and protect your property with a reliable dehumidifier from Speedy Hire. We offer high-quality units with great capacity to deliver excellent performance at the lowest cost. 

With UK delivery and more than 200 locations nationwide, Speedy ensures fast delivery within 4 hours or same day pick-up so you can start creating a fresh and mould-free environment right away! 

FAQs 

Will a dehumidifier kill mould?

No. A dehumidifier won’t kill existing mould, but it stops the damp conditions that allow it to spread.

Can I use a dehumidifier in a bathroom?

Yes, but choose a dehumidifier designed for smaller, humid spaces and ensure the dehumidifier is kept away from direct splashes.

How long should I run it?

You should run the dehumidifier until humidity levels remain consistently below 50%. The amount of time can vary depending on the size of your room and building.