Humidity, mold, and your air
EPA: "If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity." "Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores."1
Mold needs moisture
EPA: "The key to mold control is moisture control." "There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture."1
Hidden mold
EPA: "You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems."1 More on smells: a smell in the house.
If you find mold
EPA: "If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem."1 When is a cleanup finished? One of EPA's signs: "Visible mold and moldy odors should not be present."1

A monitor for the air inside
Airthings View Plus: $329.99
Price checked October 1, 2026
Airthings says:2
- "Indoor humidity above 60% encourages mold growth and dust mites, while levels below 30% cause dry skin and throat irritation."
The small commission from purchases made through this link helps keep this free public directory open, at no extra cost to you.
Sources
- EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home, checked October 4, 2026
- Airthings, View Plus product page, checked October 4, 2026