Mold Prevention

Please follow these steps to help prevent mold or mildew on any surfaces:

• Dry Wet Areas Immediately: If you spill something on any fabric surface, do not leave it to air dry. Dry the surface immediately.

• Allow for Proper Ventilation: Allow your bathroom to breathe after you shower or bathe. Leave the bathroom door open, open a window if there is one nearby, and leave the light/fan on for at least 10 minutes.

• Improve Air Flow: When the air is stagnant, mold will grow. Try pulling your bed or bedding slightly away from the wall, open closets that may trap colder air than the current room temperature, and think about purchasing a fan to keep air circulating.

• Pick One – AC or Open Window: The warm air that comes in from your window mixed with the cool air produced by your AC makes moisture in your room. Pick one or the other but never do both.

If you do find mold in your room, what should you do? First and foremost, determine the location of the mold. If you find mold in your bathtub, shower, sink, or any other tiled surface, please take steps to clean it. One of the cheapest and most effective cleansers is bleach. You want to use one part bleach to 10 parts water or any bleach-based cleaning agent.

If you have a concern about something that you have spotted in your room on any surface, please submit a FixIt ticket immediately, so that we can send out a team member to assess the status of your room.

Remember: Mold loves moist, dark places. Your bathroom door closed after a shower with no ventilation is a perfect breeding ground for new mold.

 

* The intended use of this page is to be educational and informational for our students living in the residence halls.

Updated: September 14, 2021

Originally posted: October 25, 2013