11 DIY Home Projects That Are Secretly Causing Mold Growth
This post may contain affiliate links.
With more people than ever taking up the tools and diving into home improvements, there’s a hunger to put their personal stamp in their spaces. We’re all for creativity and that “I built it myself” pride, but some projects have some unexpected, and unwelcome, guests. That’s right, we’re talking about mold, the silent intruder that’s sneaking into even the most innocent looking upgrades. Mold isn’t just a toilet problem: if you aren’t careful, it can quietly spread to your walls, floors, and even your furniture.
We’ll also take a closer look at some of the more popular DIY projects that might unknowingly invite mold into your home. These common upgrades often come with some mold-growing consequences you didn’t bargain for.
Reusing Old Wood
Rustic upcycled wood is all the rage but wood that’s been stored outside or in damp places often has moisture hiding away inside. But if it’s brought indoors and used for things like shelves or headboards, it will slowly release that moisture, and over time that can promote mold growth. Also, any untreated wood can take up extra humidity from the air, increasing the risk.
Installing Vinyl Flooring in Moist Areas
Vinyl flooring is cheap and easy to install, that’s why it is a DIY favorite. Vinyl, however, is notorious for trapping moisture, and if installed in bathrooms, basements, or other wet areas, it is even worse. Moisture that seeps under the vinyl has no place to go, resulting in a damp, mold prone space that’s difficult to see until it’s too late.
Carpet Tiles in Basements
Basements are naturally damp spaces, but carpet tiles are a fantastic way to add warmth to a basement without breaking the bank. Carpet fibers are sponges for moisture, and when they’re laid on a concrete floor (which is always cool and damp), they are perfect for mold to grow.
Sealing New Tile Grout Neglected
Sealing the grout is the final step of a great DIY project in tiling any kitchen or bathroom, and it’s one that’s often skipped. Grout that is unsealed is very porous and will easily absorb water and stain. Grout that isn’t protected by a seal becomes a breeding ground for mold, particularly in showers and around sinks and other splash zones.
Adding Fabric Wall Coverings
Fabric wall coverings are a cozy, soft touch to a room, but they’re also an open invitation for mold if not installed properly. When air is poor ventilated because of no ventilation in such a room, moisture absorbed by fabric can cause mildew and mold over time. These wall treatments look and feel luxurious, but they have to be looked after in humid environments.
Painting Over Wallpaper
Painting over old wallpaper can be a quick way to brighten up any room, but if you’re painting over old wallpaper you may be creating a perfect hiding spot for mold. Mold thrives on the wallpaper, especially in the bathroom, because moisture is trapped between the layers. That fresh paint job may look great on the outside, but there might be a moldy secret in there.
Built in Cabinets Against Exterior Walls
Extra storage built in cabinets are fantastic but when placed against an exterior wall, they can cause mold problems. In climates with varying temperatures, accessory exterior walls are cooler and more prone to condensation. If cabinets are up tight to these walls, they trap air and moisture, creating a hidden space for mold to grow.
Raised Garden Beds With Poor Drainage
A DIY raised garden bed is a great project to add to your yard, but without proper drainage, they can become mold factories. If the soil doesn’t drain well, the wood becomes saturated in moisture and then becomes a damp environment where mold loves to grow. Plus, the mold can travel indoors if the beds are too close to your home’s foundation.
Decorative Accents Made With Unsealed Concrete
Concrete has become a trendy material for countertops, planters, and even furniture, but it’s highly porous. In humid areas, concrete can ‘drink’ moisture from the air, creating a fantastic environment for mold. This risk is reduced through sealing the concrete, but many DIYers forget to do this step.
Installing Window Insulation Film Wrong
Simple DIY project to keep drafts out during winter is window insulation film, but if it’s not applied tightly, moisture can get trapped between the film and the window. If you live in a high humidity area, this will create a damp pocket over time, which is exactly where mold can start to grow. It’s a sneaky way for mold to make itself at home without you even knowing it.
Adding a Water Feature Indoors
According to ResearchGate, indoor water features are pretty and soothing, but they add moisture to the air — especially in closed spaces. Extra humidity causes mold to grow on nearby surfaces, if there’s poor ventilation. These features need to be maintained and cleaned up regularly, otherwise they develop a mold buildup on the water fixture and surrounding walls.
DIY Upholstery Projects
Reupholstering furniture is deeply satisfying, but without properly cleaning the furniture first, it can end up with moldy problems. If the padding or cushions you’re replacing are old and have moisture hidden in them, you’re wrapping up fresh fabric with it, creating the perfect environment for mold to grow, unnoticed, in your reworked piece.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make Your Home Look Bad
Bring Nature Indoors with These DIY Terrarium Ideas
