6 ways to prevent mold and damp in bedrooms – expert solutions to maintain a safe sleep environment

Having dampness or mold in any area of the house is undesirable, but it is particularly worrying in the bedroom.

Bedrooms are especially prone to dampness due to poor ventilation and soft furnishings that trap moisture. If left untreated, damp can lead to mold, triggering allergies, respiratory issues, sleep problems, and unpleasant odors.

Fortunately, mold remediation experts have shared six effective ways to get rid of mold and target bedroom moisture, ensuring your bedroom remains fresh, healthy, and comfortable.

5 ways to prevent damp and mold in your bedroom

1. Improve bedroom ventilation

According to Michael Rubino, a toxic mold expert and founder of HomeCleanse, one of the most common reasons for mold in the bedroom is poor airflow, which allows moisture to build up.

Without proper air circulation, humidity from daily activities such as showering, or drying clothes in your bedroom can become trapped, leading to condensation on your ceilings, walls, and windows.

To improve ventilation and reduce humidity, Michael suggests, ‘Open windows regularly, even during winter, to allow fresh air to circulate and moisture to escape. Consider installing trickle vents on windows or investing in an extractor fan, especially if your bedroom has an en-suite bathroom.’

If natural ventilation is limited, using a dehumidifier to reduce excess humidity and keep moisture levels under control may also help. Sleeping with a bedroom door open can also help reduce moisture throughout the night, getting rid of musty smells in a bedroom.

For a cheap way to stop mold, you can also consider shock ventilation. This method involves opening windows on opposite sides of the house to create a current, blowing out stagnant air and moisture to decrease the risk of damp.

2. Air out fabrics

Bedrooms are full of soft furnishings, from our best duvet inserts and comforters to our bedroom curtain ideas, there is a lot of space for moisture, released when we breathe or sweat in the night, to be trapped.

Chiana Dickson, Solved content editor at Homes & Gardens says, 'It is important to air out your bedding every morning when you first get up. Pulling the duvet back and letting the mattress breathe allows any trapped moisture to escape, reducing musty odors and removing key conditions for bacteria to grow. It is the best excuse I have ever heard for not making a bed!

'Washing bed sheets every one to two weeks is also important to maintain good sleep hygiene and prevent mold,' she adds.

It can also be a good idea to avoid overcrowding your bedroom with heavy fabrics and thick curtains that absorb moisture such as velvet or fleece. Instead, opt for breathable bedding and materials such as cotton or linen.

3. Keep furniture away from walls

Michael continues, ‘Placing bedroom furniture such as standalone closets, headboards, and bookshelves against walls can restrict airflow, which can lead to condensation and mold growth behind. The lack of ventilation in these hidden areas allows moisture to become trapped, creating the perfect environment for mold to thrive.’

Ensure a small gap of at least a few inches between the furniture and the wall to allow air to circulate freely. If your bedroom has particularly cold walls, consider applying anti-mold paint from Amazon to reduce the risk of condensation. Using moisture absorbers in wardrobes and drawers can also help prevent damp-related odors and mildew.

If you notice dark patches on walls behind furniture, a musty smell, or peeling paint, dampness may already be an issue, and you should immediately take action to prevent further damage.

If you have fitted wardrobes, make sure that the doors are left open from time to time so that the wall at the back does not get too cold, you want to ensure that air is circulating efficiently. Adding small vents from Madelyn Carter to your wardrobe doors could make the world of difference as it allows air to move more freely.

4. Clean up condensation

Windows are a common damp spot in bedrooms, as condensation can quickly form on cold glass surfaces, leading to water pooling and mold developing around frames, on curtains, and even adjacent walls.

Tom Flood, CEO & founder of We Get The Mold Out says, ‘The combination of indoor humidity and external cold temperatures in bedrooms creates an ideal environment for moisture issues. If left unaddressed, this can lead to the deterioration of your window seals further exacerbating the problem.’

Use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packs or anti-condensation window film from Walmart on your bedroom windows to reduce water buildup. Regularly wiping down the bedroom windows and keeping curtains open during the day can also prevent moisture from lingering.

5. Maintain a consistent bedroom temperature

Tom continues, ‘Temperature fluctuations in the bedroom can contribute to condensation and dampness, especially when warm air meets cold surfaces such as walls, windows, or furniture. Inconsistent heating can cause moisture to accumulate overnight, leading to mold growth and dampness in the coldest areas of the room.'

Maintain the best temperature for sleep by using a low-level heat source, such as a radiator or an electric heater with a timer, or by setting a heating schedule to maintain a steady temperature to curb damp, mold, and condensation.

Using insulated blinds or thermal curtains can make heating more efficient, helping regulate temperature and eliminate hot and cold spots in your home. The DWCN Thermal Curtains from Walmart come in 10 different sizes to suit any window, with 10 color options to seamlessly blend into any scheme.

Regularly servicing your HVAC system will further reduce the risk of condensation and the buildup of mold.

6. Check for external leaks and damage

If you are still noticing dampness in the bedroom after trying the above suggestions, the dampness may not be due to internal moisture but rather external leaks from damaged roofing, guttering, or faulty plumbing.

These external issues allow water to seep into walls and ceilings, creating moisture problems. If your bedroom has an exterior wall or is positioned directly under the roof, structural vulnerabilities can be a common cause of continuous damp problems.

If you suspect a structural issue, consult a professional to assess and repair any damage before it worsens. Cleaning gutters and ensuring downpipes direct rainwater away from your home can also prevent moisture from seeping into your bedroom walls.

Meet the experts

Michael Rubino

Michael is also a council-certified Mold Remediator by IICRC and ACAC and a contributing member, sponsor, and speaker for the Indoor Air Quality Association and has helped over 1000 families heal from toxic mold exposure.

Tom Flood

Tom is nationally certified on MOLD remediation providing residential and commercial consulting services. With decades of real-world experience, he specializes in indoor air quality, specifically removing mold from homes and business environments.

Chiana Dickson

Chiana has been with Homes & Gardens for over two years and is our resident expert on non-toxic living. Living in a poorly insulated Victorian terrace, she's gained plenty of experience in preventing and managing mold. Her extensive cleaning knowledge also gives her all the tips and tricks to get rid of black mold naturally.

FAQs

Does a bowl of salt help with condensation?

Using a cheap salt trick to get rid of condensation can help reduce moisture in a bedroom in a pinch. Salt draws in moisture, so placing a bowl of it on your windowsill as you sleep can help prevent droplets from forming on glass panes, reducing the risk of mold on seals and surrounding windows.

These quick things people with clean bedrooms always do quickly help to mitigate mold for a superior sleep environment. Even with these precautions, however, it is a good idea to know how to check for mold in your house so you can spot signs early.