Unfortunately, mold is a common problem in many homes. While some seasons are worse, mold can grow in your home at any time. We explain when home mold is the worst and how you can stop mold year-round.
When Is Home Mold the Worst?
Home mold is usually the worst from early spring through middle fall. Across most of the country, temperatures and humidity levels are perfect for mold during this time of year.
However, mold can appear in any season if the conditions are right. With just a little bit of water, mold can grow quickly.
Even in the middle of winter, window sill mold is common because of condensation.
What Causes Home Mold in the Spring?
Spring is usually the worst season for home mold in the Southeastern United States. The moderate temperatures and high humidity increase your chances of mold inside or even outside your home. While sunlight can slow mold growth, it can come back weeks or months later.
Limit the chances of mold in the spring by checking for water leaks in your basement, crawl space, and attic. Look for sagging drywall, soggy carpet, and musty smells.
Why Do I Have Mold in the Summer?
Summer mold is mostly found in homes in the northern half of the country. High humidity, heavy rainfalls, and condensation from air conditioners can all cause mold. Summer mold is most common in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
During the summer, you can prevent kitchen mold by using your exhaust fan. Also, remember to clean underneath cabinets with soap and warm water. Prevent bathroom mold by cleaning your shower and toilet regularly with bleach.
What Causes Fall Mold in My House?
Mold is usually worst in fall across New England and the Pacific Northwest due to the high humidity from heavy fall rainstorms. Mold can grow anywhere in your home where water sits for more than a few hours.
The best way to prevent it is by using a dehumidifier and cleaning regularly. Check your basement or crawl space regularly and use exhaust fans in both the bathroom and kitchen.
Is It Possible To Have Winter Mold Inside My Home?
It’s a huge mistake to think you cannot have mold during the winter. While mold does not grow well in the cold, most of us keep our homes in the 60s. And that’s a perfect temperature for mold to grow.
Mold around the windows is common during the winter. However, it can grow anywhere that cold outside air and warm inside air meet. Make sure your check around doors and vents too.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Worst Seasons for Mold
These are some of the most common questions we get about mold and seasonal mold growth.
While heat does kill mold, this is not an effective way to deal with a problem at home. You need temperatures between 140°F and 160°F to kill mold, which might also start a fire.
Despite this, many people mistakenly think that turning up the heat will take care of their issue. The heat dries out the water problem, so the mold goes away. But this is only temporary. As soon as the water comes back, so will the mold.
Mold will usually grow if the humidity is above 60%. However, humidity is just one of the conditions mold needs to grow. With enough water or sewage, it can grow regardless of the humidity level.
You can help prevent home mold by keeping the humidity between 30% and 50% to prevent mold. The humidity can vary from floor to floor, so check every level of your home separately.
Most types of mold prefer temperatures above 70°F, but some molds will tolerate lower temperatures. While room temperatures may be lower, appliances like dishwashers, dryers, and hot water heaters can generate enough heat to raise the temperature in small areas. With a constant source of water and the right humidity, the temperature boost from these appliances is enough to maintain mold even through the cold winter months.
Yes, mold does grow in cold weather. Even during extremely cold periods, most unfinished basements won’t get colder than 50°F. Furnaces, hot water tanks, and dryers can boost the temperature enough to allow mold to grow. Most people keep their homes between 65°F and 75°F during the winter, which is perfect for mold growth.
One of the biggest myths is that freezing cold kills mold. While freezing temperatures will temporarily stop it from growing, it almost always returns when the temperature returns to normal. Mold is resident and it takes more than cold weather to kill it. As long as the water remains, mold will come back once it thaws.
Get Fast Mold Removal
If your mold problem keeps coming back, we can help. Call 1-888-992-8371 for a free estimate on expert mold removal services.
