How to Remove Mold from Crawl Space Effectively

If you are dealing with musty odors or are concerned about indoor air quality, you must know how to remove mold from a crawl space, and a dehumidifier for a crawl space can help in a big way. 

Crawl spaces are some of the worst offenders of all for becoming wet and holding on to moisture, which results in mold, decay, and even structural degradation, not to mention pests. 

We will demonstrate, in this article, how to remove mold in your crawl space step-by-step, how to seal the area to ensure that it does not happen again in the future, and which crawl space dehumidifier will save you the hassle of having to deal with future tragedies of mold, including some recommended affordable dehumidifiers for great performance.

How to Remove Mold From Your Crawl Space (Step-by-Step)

There are main steps to remove mold from your crawl space: ascertain the level of humidity and moisture levels, clean and sanitize, improve ventilation, and run a dehumidifier. Follow these steps: 

1. Assess the situation

• Measure humidity and moisture levels. Mold thrives above 60% RH. If your crawl space is anywhere from 500 to 2,000 sq ft (46–185 m²), you can experience constant moisture without a dehumidifier.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to clean up wet insulation and debris, and visible mold.

2. Clean and sanitize

• Scrub away white mold with a 10:1 water-to-bleach mixture or an eco-friendly peroxide cleaner.
• Allow it to rest and dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Improve ventilation

• Leave the vents open, or you can place a vapor barrier on the ground to prevent moisture from the ground.
• Maintain crawl space vents at a humidity percentage above 30% and below 50%, to prevent the growth of mold.

Run a dehumidifier continuously

• A good crawl space dehumidifier reduces RH and inhibits regrowth. The best units can pull 60–180 pints per day and operate effectively from room to room, in both mild and muggy environments. Learn how to use a dehumidifier.

Tips for Sealing a Crawl Space Vent

But preventing mold is not only about drying the air, but also about sealing the environment:

1. Install a full vapor barrier

Install 6-mil or thicker polyethylene sheeting on the crawl space floor and walls, overlapping the seams and taping them to seal out groundwater.

2. Seal vents and gaps

Install new crawl space vents with insulated panels or spray foam around joists and plumbing.

3. Insulate thoughtfully

Spray-foam overhead floor joists with closed-cell foam so walls don’t get buried in moisture.

4. Ensure proper drainage and grading

Properly remove water away from the foundation and fix any drainage issues that are letting moisture into the crawl space.

How to Choose a Crawl Space Dehumidifier for Your Crawl Space

Not all are designed to withstand the particular conditions of a crawl space, however. Ordinary household items simply do not have the capacity and durability for long-term mold prevention needs!

If you’re hoping to clear up mold in crawl space areas and to keep humidity levels at bay, the best dehumidifier is your line of defense.

Here’s what to consider before you buy:

1. Capacity

Just as the size, crawl spaces differ in the amount of moisture. The pint rating of a dehumidifier lets you know how many pints of water it can remove from the air in 24 hours.

• Small crawl spaces (under 1,000 sq. ft.): 50–70 pint dehumidifier
• Medium spaces (1,000–2,000 sq. ft.): 90–120 pint dehumidifier
• Large/commercial spaces (2,000+ sq. ft.): 145+ pint dehumidifier

2. Low-Temperature Performance

Crawl spaces are one of the most common areas in homes to have extreme humidity and dampness. Because of this, crawl spaces are up to 50% more likely to have rot and mold. Add a crawl space dehumidifier that has an auto defrost and low-temperature operation to avoid freezing and maintain healthy moisture levels.

3. Drainage Options

Manual water collection won’t be enough for a crawl space. The best units have continuous-drainage capability with a hose connection or even an internal pump that can move water automatically.

4. Energy Efficiency

Because crawl space dehumidifiers will be on for hours at a time, select one that is Energy Star–rated and save up to 30% per year in electricity usage.

5. Durability and Build Quality

Moisture, dust, and fluctuating temperatures make crawl spaces tough on equipment. Look for units with corrosion-resistant coils, heavy-duty casing, and long warranties (no shorter than 2–5 years).

6. Smart Controls & Monitoring

Higher-end models will have hygrostats and digital displays, allowing you to specify what humidity you prefer, usually 45 to 50 percent. Some even come with remote monitoring apps so that you don’t have to crawl under the house to see what the conditions are.

6. Noise Level

Though crawl space dehumidifiers are typically tucked out of sight, noise might still be a consideration if the space is close to living areas. Seek out models that come in at under 55 decibels, which will help limit noise.

Affordable Crawl Space Dehumidifiers from Creworks

Here are dependable but budget-friendly versions from Creworks that help you to eliminate mold in your crawl space well:

1. 130 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier

• This commercial dehumidifier takes out up to 130 PPD at saturation and is for 500–1,440 sq/ft.
• Energy efficiency at 4.4 pt/kWh, includes auto defrost, timer (1–24 hr), and adjustable humidity 20–90%.
• Includes water pump, duct collar, hoses, cables, support brackets, and everything for easy setup.

2. 145 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier

• This 145 PPD dehumidifier for crawl space covers spaces between 800 and 2,000 sq ft and removes up to 70 PPD (AHAM)/ 145 PPD at saturation.
• Has improved condenser and evaporator coils, auto defrost, and easy-to-use controls.

3. 180 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier with Pump 

• The 180 PPD dehumidifier is best for larger or particularly damp areas (600–1,600 sq ft). Extracts up to 180 PPD.
• Built-in pump and 16 ft hose included for alternate drainage, auto defrost, digital controls, and wheels for moving.

Conclusion

The key to getting mold out of your crawl space is having the right approach: clean well so it doesn’t smell, then seal it from harm with moisture control. Selecting a quality Creworks crawl space dehumidifier, whether it’s 130 PPD, 145 PPD, or 180 PPD, is to have your space always dry, safe, and ultraclean.

With intelligent design, auto features, and dependable power, these units do more than just take care of mold problems; they keep it from coming back, providing a solid foundation for a healthier home. Shop now at Creworks.