Suspected Mold & Mildew

At The University of Evansville, the health and safety of our students are paramount. Understanding the potential issues of mold and mildew in residence halls is crucial to maintaining a comfortable living environment.

The Office of Residence Life works closely with staff from Facilities to ensure our residence halls are safe and healthy environments for our students. This page provides essential information on mold and mildew, their prevention, how to address any concerns you may have, and steps Facilities takes when responding to mold and mildew concerns.

What is Mold and Mildew?

Mold and mildew are types of organic growth and are part of the natural environment and can be found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors, where both moisture and oxygen are present.

The cases we typically see in residence halls occur in a few locations — the bathrooms (ceilings, walls, shower area), on the HVAC vents and occasionally on the carpet or bedroom furniture near HVAC vents. Almost all of these cases are a result of humidity and temperatures outside clashing with cold air from the HVAC system, which creates condensation and the conditions for this growth to occur.

The growth is all surface level and not usually in a quantity that creates an air quality problem.

What to do if You Suspect Mold or Mildew

  1. Do Not Panic: Most mold issues can be resolved quickly with the right approach.
  2. Report suspected mold to your Resident Assistant.
  3. Submit a Maintenance Request: Report the issue through the online Work Order form immediately for assistance.
  4. Cleaning Small Areas: For small spots, you can clean with a mixture of water and disinfectant (i.e., Lysol). Always wear gloves and a mask.
  5. Follow-Up: Ensure that the issue has been addressed by facilities staff and monitor the area for recurrence.

Self-Cleaning vs. Maintenance Requests

If you notice mold or mildew in your room, you can follow these steps:

  1. Identify the Location:
    1. During the course of the school year, if the growth is in your pod or apartment such as the shower, on the shower curtain, on your sink, or in the toilet, you can clean it using a standard bathroom cleaner/disinfectant.
    2. If the mold is in another area or if you cannot clean it adequately, please contact your RA Staff, Residential Coordinator, or the Office of Residence Life. A Residence Life staff member will do an initial inspection and help you with contacting the Facilities Office to fill out a maintenance request.
    3. Report any water leaks or irregular condensation immediately.
  2. Response Time: Maintenance requests are typically addressed within 24-48 hours. If you haven’t received a response after this time, please contact Facilities 812-488-2775 for a follow-up. Office hours are weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding university holidays).
  3. Your Responsibility: Please note that you will be responsible for correcting conditions within your room or apartments that are designated as your responsibility, and as deemed reasonably necessary. Tampering with HVAC units or secured windows, or failure to report problems with moisture in a timely manner may result in a significant fine and potential disciplinary action.
Mold character

Prevention Tips

To help prevent mold and mildew growth in your residence, consider the following tips:

Maintain Airflow

Ensure that room air vents are open and unobstructed to promote proper airflow throughout your living areas.

Do not block supply air registers by setting items on top of the register or in front of the register because this may cause some areas to have warmer temperatures and higher humidity.

Use the Exhaust Fan

Turn on the bathroom exhaust fan while showering and leave it running for an additional 10 minutes afterward to remove excess moisture from the air.

Ventilate after Showering

  • Keep the bathroom door open for up to 30 minutes after your shower to allow air circulation and prevent moisture from being trapped.
  • Hang wet towels and towel mats on a towel bar to dry quickly
  • Leave bathroom light on to prohibit mold growth until everything in the bathroom is dry

Thermostat Settings

  • Set your thermostat between 70 and 75 degrees and turn the fan on auto.
  • Setting a thermostat too cold can cause condensation issues and mold growth
  • Set systems to run automatically
  • Don't turn your HVAC off - Turning units off and on continually prevents proper air flow and stagnant air leads to odors and potential mold growth issues.

Manage Windows and Doors

  • Keep your windows and doors closed, especially during warm and humid weather, to minimize the introduction of moisture.
  • Warm moist air + cool air conditioning = condensation
  • Open your window shades during the day to allow sunlight into the room

Avoid Enclosed Wet Items

Do not place wet items in enclosed spaces (like hampers or bags) to prevent moisture buildup.

Regular Cleaning

  • If you have a private bathroom: Clean it regularly, including the toilet, vanities, floors, and shower.
  • Use a bathroom cleaner to remove soap scum, which can promote mold growth.
  • Always read and follow the instructions on cleaning products for safe and effective use.
  • Remember, Custodial Services are only responsible for cleaning community bathrooms.
  • Maintain good housekeeping by not accumulating items which harbor spores/mold such as excessive amounts of old books, journals/magazines, dirty clothing, etc.
  • Empty all trash and recycling regularly.

Kitchen Safety

  • Keep kitchen areas dry and use the stove exhaust ventilation while cooking. Clean up spills immediately.
  • Food preparation and consumption can attract pests and insects. Avoid leaving open food containers out, seal all containers after use and refrigerate perishable foods. Dispose of used food containers and food scraps regularly to prevent attracting pests and insects and promoting the growth of mold.
  • Keep refrigerator doors tightly closed. Failure to secure refrigerator doors may result in defrosting of the freezer and may cause leaking onto the floor.

Don't add moisture to your room

  • Don't use humidifiers.
  • Avoid using devices that add moisture to the room like essential oil diffusers, coffee makers, hot pots, steamers, etc.
  • Remove plants from the area, wet soil/plants and/or containers such as wicker baskets introduce moisture in the air and promotes fungal growth.

Consider a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers can reduce moisture and condensation and the likelihood of mold developing.

Return to the list of Amenities, Services, and Repairs