Humidity, Condensation, Mildew, Mould & Housekeeping

HUMIDITY, CONDENSATION, MILDEW, MOULD & HOUSEKEEPING

At all times of the year, ideal humidity levels in an indoor living environment are 45%.  Anything less than 30% is too dry while anything over 50% is too wet.

HOW TO GAUGE YOUR INDOOR HUMIDITY:

Fogging and condensation accumulating on windows and in sill tracks, moisture and/or light topical mould spotting is an indication of high humidity levels in your living environment.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE TOO MUCH HUMIDITY:

• Turn down or turn off your humidifier (if you have one), alternately, use a dehumidifier if appropriate, especially in basements.
• Turn-on washroom exhaust fan 15 minutes prior to bathing, and allow it to run continuously during bathing until 15 minutes afterwards.
• Take cooler / shorter showers.
• Slightly open a window to exchange fresh/drier air.
• While cooking on the stove-top, running hot water in the sink, using an electric kettle or rice cooker – turn-on the hood range fan located above the stovetop.
• Reduce the amount of moisture introduced into your home by cooking with covered pots.
• Reduce the number of indoor plants (as plants oxygenate the air and give-off CO2)
• Purchase a dehumidifier.

CONDENSATION / MILDEW / MOULD ON WINDOWS, WALLS & SILL TRACKS

• Tenants are responsible for regular housekeeping in their units.  Keeping your living environment as dust free as possible will help eliminate mildew and mould growth.
• Tenants are responsible for regularly wiping the condensation from their window panes, sill tracks and window sills. 
• If light mould spotting has occurred, tenants should use a: 1 part bleach to 10 parts warm water solution with a semi-damp cloth on the affected area.
• Tenants are responsible for cleaning light, topical mildew/mould spotting on washroom ceilings. Tenants should use a: 1 part bleach to 10 parts warm water solution with a semi-damp cloth on the affected area.
• Avoid stacking belongings, furniture, clothing or related items against walls, as this limits air movement and potentially creates a hospitable environment for dust and microbial growth.

If you have questions regarding condensation, mildew or mould that have not been covered in the above, please speak with your building manager!