Healthy Spaces: Mold, Mildew & Moisture Prevention

Florida’s warm, humid climate makes certain moisture-related conditions completely normal in any home or building, including residential buildings. Because humidity is often high year-round, you may notice things here that you didn’t experience at home, especially if you’re from a drier area.

Here’s what’s considered normal in a Florida living space:

• Mold and mildew are naturally present everywhere; indoors, outdoors, in classrooms, and even in the air you breathe at home. Their presence alone doesn’t mean something is unsafe.

• Bathrooms and showers often show minor mildew on grout lines, shower curtains, caulking, or tile. This isn’t dangerous and can usually be cleaned with standard bathroom cleaners. 

• “Pink mold” isn’t mold at all; it’s a common bacteria that grows where moisture sits (like showers and toilets) and is easily removed.

• Window sills may collect condensation or light mildew, especially after rainy days or when temperature differences cause moisture to settle. A quick wipe-down keeps this under control.

• Dust, pollen, and mineral deposits can build up on vents, windows, or AC units and are frequently mistaken for mold, even though they’re unrelated to moisture problems.

• Humidity changes throughout the day, so brief periods of moisture on surfaces, like a fogged window or damp bathroom air, are typical in Florida’s climate.

These conditions are expected in subtropical environments, and with normal cleaning and ventilation habits, they’re easy to manage. The key is understanding what’s normal so you know when something truly needs attention.

Mold and mildew sound intimidating, but in Florida’s climate, they’re simply a natural part of the environment. Understanding what they are and why they show up can help you feel more confident about caring for your space.

What Mold Needs to Grow

Mold isn’t mysterious. It grows when three things come together: moisture + organic material + warmth.

Florida provides the warmth, and everyday living adds moisture (showers, cooking, laundry, breathing). When moisture lingers on surfaces, mold and mildew can settle in.

Mold vs. Mildew

Students often use these words interchangeably, but they’re a bit different:

• Mildew is the thin, surface-level gray or white film you might see on grout or damp areas. It’s easy to clean and usually appears in bathrooms or other moisture-heavy spaces.
• Mold is thicker and can appear fuzzy or discolored if it’s had time to grow. In residential spaces, most mold concerns come from excess moisture or poor airflow, not from anything harmful or unusual.

What About “Pink Mold”?

Despite the name, pink “mold” isn’t mold at all, it’s a common airborne bacteria (often Serratia marcescens) that thrives on soap residue and moisture. You’ll typically see it:

• In showers
• Around faucets
• At the bottom of toilets
• On damp bathroom walls

It looks alarming but is harmless and easily removed with normal bathroom cleaners.

Why Florida Makes These Things Show Up More

Humidity in DeLand can reach high levels throughout the year, especially after rain or when temperatures swing between warm days and cool nights. That means:

• Bathrooms stay damp longer
• Window sills collect moisture
• Airflow becomes more important
• Surfaces may need more frequent wiping or cleaning

These aren’t signs that your building is unsafe, they’re just part of living in a subtropical climate.

The Bottom Line

Most everyday mold, mildew, or “pink” growth is normal, predictable, and easy to manage with cleaning and good airflow. This section is meant to help you recognize what’s typical so you’re not worried about things that are simply part of Florida living.

Keeping a healthy living space in Florida doesn’t have to be complicated. Most moisture-related issues can be prevented by focusing on three simple habits: Climate, Cleaning, and Communication. These are the core practices that make the biggest difference in a humid environment like DeLand

Climate: Set Your Space Up for Success

Florida’s humidity can sneak into your room if the temperature, airflow, or habits aren’t quite right. A few small adjustments go a long way in keeping your space dry and comfortable.

Simple ways to manage your room’s climate:

• Keep your AC on “Auto,” not “On.” This prevents excess moisture from being pulled back into the space.
• Stay between 73–77°F for ideal temperature and humidity control.
• Never open windows while the AC is running. Warm, humid air rushes in and can create condensation on walls and furniture.
• Give your room some breathing room. Keep furniture a few inches away from walls so air can circulate.

A well-managed climate is the strongest defense against moisture and mildew. For building-specific HVAC details and recommended thermostat settings, visit Residential Living & Learning's Temperature Guide. Following these instructions ensures your room stays comfortable and dry.

Cleaning: Small Habits Make a Big Difference

Humidity + daily use = quick buildup of moisture in bathrooms and kitchens. Regular cleaning prevents small, normal growth from becoming noticeable.

Easy, weekly tasks that help:

• Wipe down shower walls, grout, and corners where moisture lingers.
• Lift and hang wet towels, clothes, and bath mats so they can fully dry.
• Clean window sills if condensation forms.
• Use bathroom cleaners on soap scum, mildew, and pink biofilm; it clears quickly with routine cleaning.
• Don’t let trash or food sit out; organic materials give mold something to grow on.

You don’t need intense scrubbing, just consistency.

Communication: When in Doubt, Reach Out

If something doesn’t look right, or you’re unsure whether it’s normal, let us know. Reporting early helps us catch and fix issues before they grow.

Reach out if you notice:

• A musty smell that sticks around
• Moisture that keeps returning after cleaning
• Water leaks or stains
• Persistent condensation
• AC not cooling or draining properly

RL&L and Facilities Management work closely together to respond quickly, inspect your space, and help you get things back to normal.

These three steps, managing Climate, staying on top of Cleaning, and maintaining open Communication, make a huge difference in preventing moisture issues and keeping your living environment healthy.

While many moisture-related conditions are normal in Florida, some signs point to something that needs attention from RL&L and Facilities Management. If you’re seeing any of the issues below, it’s important to report them early so we can assess the space and prevent the problem from spreading.

Signs That Need a Maintenance Request

• A musty or earthy smell that doesn’t go away, even after cleaning and airing out the space. Persistent odor often indicates moisture that needs further evaluation.
• Visible gray or black spots that quickly return after cleaning or continues growing beyond a small area.
• Water leaks or wet spots on floors, carpets, or ceilings; damp or bubbling paint; or areas that appear swollen or soft.
• Consistently high condensation on windows, walls, or furniture that doesn’t improve with good airflow or normal AC use.
• HVAC concerns, such as the AC not cooling properly, unusual dripping, or water pooling near vents or units.
• Standing water in bathrooms, kitchens, or bedrooms that doesn’t dry within a reasonable timeframe.

These situations don’t automatically mean there’s a serious problem, but they do require an inspection to identify and fix the underlying cause.

Why Reporting Early Helps

Moisture issues are much easier to resolve when caught early. Submitting a Maintenance Request at the first sign of something unusual allows Facilities Management to assess the situation quickly, make any necessary repairs, and help you get your space back to normal. 

If you have any concerns regarding your living space that matches the conditions above, don’t wait. Go ahead and submit a maintenance request now so we can take a look and help resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Maintenance Request

Keeping your room comfortable and free of moisture issues doesn’t require anything complicated, just a few steady habits that make a big difference in Florida’s climate. These steps help prevent everyday humidity from building up and keep your room feeling fresh.

Set Your Room Up for Good Airflow

Airflow is one of the most important factors in preventing moisture buildup. You can support healthy circulation by:

• Keeping your AC on Auto
• Avoiding open windows while the AC is running
• Leaving a little space between furniture and walls
• Making sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture or belongings
• Leave closet doors/curtains open

These small habits help reduce condensation and keep air moving where it needs to.

Stay on Top of Moisture-Prone Areas

Bathrooms, window sills, and high-humidity surfaces need routine attention in Florida. Simple habits go a long way:

• Wipe down shower walls and corners
• Hang towels and bath mats so they fully dry
• Clean soap scum and pink residue as it appears
• Check window sills for condensation and wipe as needed
• Run bathroom exhaust fan for at least 10 minutes after showers/bathroom use

Regular care keeps normal Florida humidity from turning into visible buildup.

Follow the RL&L Standards for Cleaning

The Guide to Residential Living & Learning outlines expectations for keeping your room clean and maintained. Regular cleaning isn’t just recommended, it’s a requirement for residential students, and it helps prevent many moisture-related concerns before they start.
If you’re unsure what’s expected, refer to the Cleaning section of the guide for clear standards and tips.

Know When to Ask for Help

If something looks, smells, or feels off even after cleaning and good airflow practices, it’s okay to reach out. RL&L and Facilities Management are here to support you and investigate anything that seems out of the ordinary.

It’s completely understandable to feel worried when you’re not feeling well, especially in a new environment. Many students assume their symptoms must be caused by mold, but in most cases, the causes are far more common and much more manageable.

Why You Might Feel Different in DeLand

Moving to a new climate, a new region, or simply living in a communal environment can affect how your body feels day to day. DeLand’s environment introduces factors that many students haven’t experienced before, including:

• New allergens (pollen, plants, grasses, and trees specific to Central Florida)
• Higher exposure to germs because you’re around more people than in high school
• Seasonal changes that shift humidity, pollen levels, and air pressure
• Stress, irregular sleep, or inconsistent eating habits that can weaken your immune system

These factors can cause symptoms like congestion, sneezing, headaches, fatigue, sore throats, irritated eyes, or general discomfort, even when your living space is completely normal.

How Dry Air Can Affect Symptoms

It’s common to think dehumidifiers will “fix” a room, but overly dry air can actually make you feel worse. Dryness can irritate your nose, throat, and sinuses, which sometimes gets mistaken for a mold reaction. Balance is key; humidity that’s too low or too high can cause discomfort.

Ways to Support Your Health

You can take simple steps to help your body adjust and feel better:

• Get consistent sleep, especially during busy weeks
• Eat regular, balanced meals
• Stay hydrated
• Reduce stress where possible
• Keep your room clean and decluttered
• Consider allergy testing if symptoms return every season
• Visit Stetson Student Health Service if symptoms persist or worsen

If You’re Worried About a Health Symptom…

You’re not alone. Many students experience changes in how they feel during the school year. RL&L and Facilities Management handle environmental concerns, and Stetson Health Service can help with medical symptoms or questions. When both teams work together, we can help you figure out what’s going on and support you in feeling better.

When you tell us something doesn’t seem right in your room, we want you to know exactly what happens next. RL&L and Facilities Management work together to evaluate concerns quickly, identify the cause, and make sure your space is safe and comfortable. Our process is designed to be thorough, evidence-based, and responsive to what you’re experiencing.

1. We Review Your Maintenance Request
   Once your work request comes in, our team reviews the details you provided and assigns the correct staff to respond. Clear photos and descriptions help us prepare for what we might find.
2. We Inspect Your Space
   A Facilities technician will visit the room to look for anything out of the ordinary. This includes inspecting common moisture-prone areas, surfaces, window sills, and the bathroom.
3. We Inspect for Moisture, Humidity, and Ventilation
   Because moisture is the root cause of most issues, we measure humidity levels, look for signs of condensation, and evaluate airflow. This helps determine whether the concern is environmental, mechanical, or related to normal Florida humidity.
4. We Evaluate Your HVAC System
   Good airflow is essential. We ensure that your AC is cooling properly, draining correctly, and circulating air as designed. If adjustments or repairs are needed, Facilities takes care of them.
5. We Recommend Environmental Adjustments (If Needed)
   If the issue turns out to be normal Florida conditions, like bathroom mildew, pink residue, or moisture that builds up during daily use, we’ll show you what caused it, explain how to prevent it, and recommend specific cleaning steps to clear it quickly.
6. We Make Repairs or Take Corrective Action
   If we find a leak, mechanical issue, clogged drain line, or anything that requires intervention, Facilities schedules and completes the necessary work.
7. We Determine Whether IAQ Testing Is Appropriate
   Most concerns don’t require an Indoor Air Quality test, but if our inspection shows something unusual or unclear, we may conduct one. IAQs are used selectively and intentionally to answer specific questions, not as an automatic step.
8. We Follow Up as Needed
   If additional monitoring, cleaning, or inspections are required, we’ll coordinate next steps and keep you informed. If your concern requires multiple visits or repairs, we’ll guide you through the process.

Our Goal

We’re committed to maintaining healthy, safe residential spaces. Every report you submit receives real attention, and our process ensures we address the cause, not just the symptom, so you can feel confident in your living environment. If a problem persists after inspections or treatments, submit a Maintenance Request and the Facilities Management team will re-evaluate the space.

It’s common to feel worried when you notice something in your space and want quick answers. DIY mold testing kits can look like an easy solution, but they don’t provide meaningful or accurate information about the condition of a room.

Why DIY Kits Always Show “Something”

DIY kits are designed to grow mold in a closed, moist container. For this reason, these kits can be an interesting science experiment, but a poor source of valuable information. Because mold spores exist in every environment, indoors and outdoors, the kit will almost always grow something, even in perfectly normal conditions. This can lead to worry without giving you any useful insight into your room.

What DIY Kits Can’t Tell You

These kits don’t measure concentration, airflow, humidity, or environmental conditions; the factors that actually matter when evaluating a room. They also can’t tell you:

• Whether the mold grew because of your room or simply because spores landed in the kit
• Whether the environment is within normal Florida levels
• What caused the visible issue you’re noticing
• Whether any maintenance work is needed

Only trained staff using professional tools can assess those factors accurately.

Skip the Kit

If something in your room looks concerning, using a DIY test usually adds confusion rather than clarity. Instead, it’s more effective to report the concern so RL&L and Facilities Management can take a closer look and determine what’s really going on.

A Better Approach

Our teams use industry-standard evaluation methods to understand your space; visual inspection, moisture and humidity testing, HVAC assessments, and, when appropriate, IAQ testing. These approaches provide reliable, actionable information that helps us address your concern quickly and correctly.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing is a useful tool that helps us understand the environmental conditions in a room, but it’s not something that needs to be done for most moisture-related concerns in residential spaces. Knowing when IAQs are helpful, and when other methods give better information, can clear up a lot of confusion.

What IAQ Testing Does

IAQ testing measures the types and concentrations of mold spores in the air and compares them to outdoor levels. When used in the right situations, IAQs can help identify whether a space has elevated mold activity or unusual environmental conditions that may require further action. It provides a helpful “snapshot” of the air at a moment in time.

What IAQ Testing Doesn’t Do

IAQ results don’t tell us why something is happening. They don’t identify leaks, mechanical issues, airflow problems, or humidity sources. That’s why IAQ testing is usually not the first step; most moisture issues are caused by things that IAQs cannot detect and that are better assessed through an in-person inspection.

Why IAQ Testing Isn’t the Starting Point

In most residential concerns, the issue is related to cleaning, humidity, daily moisture buildup, or airflow; all things that are found through simple on-site inspections. A visual inspection, HVAC evaluation, and moisture assessment give immediate, actionable information, while IAQ tests are reserved for situations where we need additional data.

When IAQ Testing Is Helpful

We use IAQ testing intentionally and only when an inspection shows signs that justify additional evaluation. This includes situations like:

• Recurring growth that returns even with regular cleaning
• Moisture patterns that can’t be explained by normal Florida humidity
• Environmental conditions that appear unusual or persistent
• Cases where additional environmental data supports our next steps

In these cases, IAQ testing is a valuable tool that complements our other evaluations.

Putting It All Together

IAQ testing is reliable and informative when used for the right reasons, but it isn’t necessary for most residential moisture concerns. Our process starts with in-person evaluation, because that’s usually where the actual cause of the issue becomes clear. When IAQs are needed, we use them to confirm patterns, guide decisions, and ensure spaces are properly assessed.

RL&L and Facilities Management work together every day to maintain safe, healthy residential spaces across campus. Our teams monitor building conditions, respond quickly to concerns, and use evidence-based practices to understand what’s happening in a room and address it effectively.

What You Can Expect From Us

You can trust that when you let us know about a concern by submitting a Maintenance Request:

• Your request will be reviewed promptly
• A staff member will visit the space to assess the situation
• Moisture, airflow, and HVAC conditions will be evaluated
• Repairs or adjustments will be made when needed
• You’ll receive guidance on cleaning or prevention, if applicable
• IAQ testing will be used when it adds meaningful information

Our goal is not just to fix what you’re seeing, we want to help you understand what’s happening and make sure your room stays comfortable over time.

A Shared Partnership

Keeping our residential buildings healthy is a collaborative effort. When students maintain good cleaning habits, follow the temperature and airflow guidelines, and report concerns early, it allows our teams to respond more effectively and prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.

Here When You Need Us

We care about your comfort, your health, and your experience living on campus. If you ever have questions about your space or something doesn’t feel right, we’re here to help and support you every step of the way. Reach out to us at 386-822-7201 or [email protected].