How To Safely Dehumidify Your Basement To Combat Hidden Moisture And Mold

Maintaining a safe and comfortable humidity level in your home is important. Unfortunately, if you're like many, you struggle to keep moisture and humidity levels under control in the basement. To learn more about how to banish mold in the basement and how to achieve a safe humidity level, we reached out to Michael Rubino, a mold and air quality expert, an environmental wellness advocate, and the founder of HomeCleanse. Rubino is also the host of the "Never Been Sicker" podcast and the chair of the Change the Air Foundation. 

When speaking exclusively with House Digest, Rubino said, "Investing in a dehumidifier is one of the best ways to dehumidify a basement. These machines help pull moisture from the air, helping to keep the humidity at an appropriate and healthy level. Dehumidifiers can be used year-round in rooms prone to mold growth, such as the basement."

He recommended aiming for an indoor humidity level between 35% and 50% to avoid issues that can occur when there is too much — or too little — moisture in the home. "When the humidity is too high, it can cause microbial growth, poor indoor air quality, and structural issues in the building," the expert shared. On the other hand, Rubino said, "You also don't want it to be too dry indoors, as this can lead to adverse health reactions and structural issues, such as wood separation." He recommended investing in a hydrometer to keep track of your indoor humidity level. Here are some of the signs of high humidity levels in a basement as well as Rubino's suggestions to safely combat moisture and mold.

No one wants to deal with mold in their basement. But if you overlook signs of moisture and humidity, you're just delaying the inevitable discovery of mold — and increasing the health risks to yourself and others in the home while you wait. During his exclusive interview with House Digest, Michael Rubino highlighted some signs that can indicate that humidity levels are too high in a basement. Evidence of mold is one glaring warning. "Where there's moisture, there's a presence of microbial growth," he said. "So, if mold is present, high humidity may be to blame." Beyond actually seeing the mold, you may also notice an unpleasant odor. "As mold grows, it often releases a distinctive, earthy, musty, cigar-like smell," explained the expert.

Other evidence of excess moisture also shouldn't be ignored. "Condensation on surfaces like walls and pipes, damp insulation, or any other visible moisture points to an issue such as high humidity," Rubino shared. Similarly, he noted that rusty nails, peeling paint or wallpaper, or warped wooden surfaces, which can all be caused by moisture, can alert you to high humidity levels in your basement. If you notice a change in the air quality as you walk down the steps, that is something else you shouldn't overlook. "When the humidity is too high, the air will feel damp, heavy, or clammy," explained Rubino.

Once you've identified a humidity problem in your basement, act promptly to remedy it. "Mold can grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours, so time is of the essence when it comes to home health," Michael Rubino cautioned when speaking exclusively to House Digest. He shared some key considerations for when you're investing in a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air, such as choosing the right size dehumidifier for your space. The expert said, "Make sure it can remove the most pints of water possible; opt for self-draining, if possible, so you're not always emptying the bucket; [and] consider smart technology, such as a built-in hygrometer, automatic shut-off, or smart controls that allow you to monitor and adjust from a phone or app."

Rubino shared a few additional strategies to dehumidify your basement. Many of his tips center around limiting excess water in the basement by addressing leaks, cleaning up spills, and making sure water can flow freely through the gutters. "Even small leaks add moisture to the air. Regularly inspect pipes, water heaters, and basement walls for leaks, and repair them immediately," said Rubino. He added, "Clogged or damaged gutters can cause water to seep into the foundation ... Regularly clean and maintain gutters to direct water away from the house." He also recommended removing basement carpeting and improving air circulation to avoid trapping humidity.

According to Rubino, "Recurring mold growth or humidity that remains high despite your best efforts to lower it" is a telltale sign that it's time to hire a professional for your mold problem.