How to Take Care of Your Room!
How to Prevent Mold and Mildew in Your Residence Hall Room
Welcome to college life in Mississippi! Between juggling classes, making new friends, and adjusting to residence hall life, the last thing you want to deal with is mold and mildew taking over your room. Unfortunately, Mississippi’s warm, humid climate creates the perfect environment for mold to grow if you’re not careful. But don’t worry—keeping your room clean and mold-free isn’t as hard as it sounds. With a few simple tips, you can prevent mold and mildew from becoming uninvited roommates!
Here's how to keep your space fresh and health all year long:
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Control Humidity with a Dehumidifier
Mississippi is known for its high humidity, especially during the summer and rainy seasons. Humidity is one of the main causes of mold, so controlling it is your first line of defense.
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Invest in a small dehumidifier: A dehumidifier will pull excess moisture from the air, making it harder for mold to grow. Place it near areas that are prone to moisture, like by the bathroom or windows. Even a small, portable unit can make a big difference in your room. Moisture absorbers can also be found at your local grocery store.
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Check the humidity levels: Aim to keep the humidity in your room below 50%. If it starts to feel damp, run your dehumidifier for a few hours each day to dry out the air.
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Ventilate Your Space
Good airflow is key to keeping mold at bay. Stagnant air and moisture can lead to mildew forming on walls, ceilings, and even your belongings. Here’s how to keep the air circulating:
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Use a fan: Most of our halls do not allow you to open windows, so set up a small fan to keep the air moving. If your room has an air conditioning unit, please keep it on and do not cover or restrict the airflow from the units. This allows air to fully circulate in your room.
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Keep bathroom doors open after showers: If your room has an attached bathroom, leaving the door open after a hot shower will allow steam to escape, helping to reduce overall humidity in the room.
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Keep Damp Areas Dry
Make sure to keep all surfaces, floors, carpet, etc. dry as damp spots can cause unwanted growth and smells.
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Wipe down wet surfaces: If you spill water on your desk or notice condensation on the windows, wipe it up right away. Don’t leave wet towels or clothes lying around.
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Hang wet towels and clothing properly: After you shower, hang your towel or your clothing to dry completely. Don’t throw it over a chair or leave it in a heap on the floor, as it will trap moisture.
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Dry shoes and backpacks: Mississippi’s weather can get rainy. If your shoes or backpack get wet, dry out before putting them away to avoid mold building up in your closet or storage bins.
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Clean Regularly
A clean room is a happy room. Dust, dirt, and clutter can trap moisture and create the perfect conditions for mold growth, so make sure to stick to a regular cleaning routine:
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Wipe down surfaces weekly: Use disinfectant wipe to clean your desk, shelves, and windowsills. Pay extra attention to areas where moisture could accumulate, like near windows or around your bathroom.
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Vacuum or sweep often: Mold spores can settle in carpets and rugs, so give your room a quick vacuum or sweep to keep things tidy.
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Wash bedding, towels, and clothes frequently: Your bed can absorb moisture from the air of your body, so wash your sheets, towels, and clothes at least once a week to prevent mold from growing in your linens.
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Check for leaks
Mold loves water, so if you spot any leaks in your room or bathroom, do not ignore them! Leaks can cause moisture to build up and lead to mold growth if not addressed quickly!
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Report leaks to maintenance: If you notice water dripping from your ceiling, pipes, or walls, let our Housing and Residence Life Facilities Maintenance Team know by submitting a fix-it ticket here.
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Check for signs of water damage: Look out for discoloration on the walls, ceilings, or floors, which could indicate that water is getting in from somewhere. Damp spots are prime areas for mold to grow.
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Keep an Eye Out for Mold and Mildew
Even with all these precautions, mold can sometimes sneak in. It’s important to catch it early so you can deal with it before it spreads:
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Look for signs of mold or mildew: Mold can appear as slightly fuzzy, discolored, or slimy patches that increase in size as they grow. Mildew can appear as white, gray, or yellowish patches that turn black or brown over time. Mold or mildew can show up on ceilings, furniture, or fabric. It might also have a musty smell.
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Act fast: If you see mold or mildew, clean it up immediately with a mold cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. For larger patches, contact our Facilities Maintenance Team to handle the situation safely.
Final Thoughts
Preventing mold and mildew in Mississippi is all about staying on top of humidity and moisture. With a few smart habits—like using a dehumidifier, keeping your room clean, and drying out damp areas—you can enjoy a mold-free, healthy living space all year long. Don’t let the humid Mississippi weather get in the way of your comfort—follow these tips to keep your room fresh and clean!
Resources:
Mississippi State University Environmental Health and Safety