Is your workplace mould-safe? What high humidity could be hiding

Mould doesn’t burst through the front door waving red flags — it creeps in, hides behind cupboards, and thrives in silence. And if your workplace isn’t paying attention to indoor humidity, it might be the perfect playground for it.

In Australia’s ever-shifting weather, high humidity is more common than we think — especially in warehouses, workshops, server rooms, or older office buildings. The result? Damp air, stuffy spaces, and a sneaky increase in risk to your staff’s health and your workplace compliance.

Let’s break down why that matters and what to do about it.

Mould in the workplace: What’s the big deal?

It’s tempting to think mould is more of a home problem than a workplace one — but when humidity goes unchecked, it doesn't care where it sets up shop.

From health complaints to WHS headaches, mould can cause:

• Asthma flare-ups
• Allergic reactions
• Respiratory infections
• Headaches and fatigue
• Neurocognitive symptoms in some individuals

And if your team includes staff who are immunocompromised, elderly, or have asthma, the risks multiply fast. Mould spores are airborne, invisible, and incredibly persistent.

Check out SafeWork NSW's guide on mould at work.

The hidden villain: Humidity

Humidity above 60% is mould’s best friend. And let’s be honest — how many workplaces actually monitor their humidity levels?

In industrial settings, it's easy for humidity to rise due to:

• Poor ventilation
• Sudden weather changes
• Steam or water-heavy processes
• Condensation in enclosed spaces

Left unchecked, it only takes a few warm days and no airflow for moisture to build up — and boom: mould.

Prevention, not panic: What a dehumidifier actually does

Before we go further, let’s set the record straight:

Dehumidifiers prevent mould from growing — but they don’t remove mould that’s already there.

Once you see or smell mould, it needs to be properly cleaned or remediated. But to stop it from spreading or returning, reducing humidity is your best line of defence.

KILL MOULD: How to get rid of mould

Dehumidifiers keep moisture levels low, dry out the air, and create a hostile environment for mould. They're essential for prevention — and that’s where Ionmax steps in.

Mould-fighters for industrial spaces: The Ionmax+ ED12 and ED18

If your workplace needs serious moisture control, these units are built for the job:

Ionmax+ ED12

 

• Removes up to 12L of moisture per day
• Ideal for medium-sized rooms up to 50 sqm (e.g. small offices, storage areas)
• Optional HEPA filter to double as an air purifier
• Mobile app control and no water tank fuss — just plug in your drainage hose and go

Ionmax+ ED18

• Removes up to 19L of moisture per day
• Designed for large areas up to 80 sqm (e.g. workshops, warehouse corners, large open offices)
• Optional HEPA filter, smart app features, and continuous drainage standard
• Both units use self-regenerating zeolite desiccant technology for all-climate, 24/7 operation — no chemicals, no filter changes

These aren’t just home appliances dressed in tough casing — they’re built for consistent, industrial-grade performance that you can set and forget.

Not sure which one you need?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

 

Got multiple rooms or unique needs? You can run both units independently across sites and control them via app.

Keep it dry, keep it safe

Humidity might not seem like a big deal — until it is. Whether it’s a rash of sick days, a customer complaint, or a costly mould remediation bill, moisture builds up quietly and causes chaos later.

Adding a high-performance dehumidifier to your workplace isn’t just a comfort move — it’s a health and safety one. Think of it as a long-term investment in air quality, employee wellbeing, and your bottom line.

Need something for the home instead? Explore our range of dehumidifiers for domestic use — perfect for apartments, bedrooms, and everyday living spaces.