Indoor environment
Control moisture and respond quickly to wet materials
Moisture control is the practical foundation of mold prevention. EPA recommends drying wet or damp materials within 24–48 hours and correcting the water source.
Recommended timingSeasonally and after every leak
What to do
- Check beneath sinks, around toilets and tubs, at water-using appliances, in basements/crawlspaces and below roof penetrations for dampness or staining.
- Dry wet materials within 24–48 hours when safely possible and repair the leak, drainage or humidity source.
- Keep indoor relative humidity below 60 percent—ideally about 30–50 percent—and use exhaust ventilation during bathing and cooking.
- Keep gutters, downspouts and grading moving water away from the building, and keep air-conditioning drain pans and lines clean and draining.
- Use qualified help for large areas, sewage-contaminated water, hidden cavities or recurring growth.
Do not disturb suspect mold in a way that spreads dust. Large or contaminated losses need appropriately qualified remediation guidance.
Official guidance and sources
Product instructions and local requirements take priority for the equipment or material installed at your home.