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If you have the appropriate dehumidifier for the volume in your home then no, they shouldn’t be left on all day. Dehumidifiers have a motor that operates a compressor. In some ways, this is similar to a car and like a car, a dehumidifier needs periods of rest. Ideally, you would run a dehumidifier less than 45 minutes per hour with a break for 15 minutes. Still, this is the upper limit of what you should do.

It’s possible to scrub mold off of visible surfaces yourself, but it’s not usually a good idea. Mold is not only a potential health risk, but it’s also difficult to treat in its entirety, especially because it can grow behind walls and in other hidden areas a DIYer might miss. Since mold is a serious and often pervasive issue, you should hire a professional that will remove all of the mold—including any that might be hidden—run industrial air scrubbers to remove airborne particles, and complete mold testing to ensure the underlying problem is solved.

Mold and other fungi love moisture, so the best way to prevent mold growth after water damage is to remove as much moisture as possible. First, find the source of the water or moisture, such as a leak or clogged gutters, and correct the problem. Next, remove standing water, vacuum up puddles with a shop vacuum, and run blower fans and dehumidifiers for 24 to 72 hours. Once you've removed all traces of moisture, disinfect the area using either vinegar or bleach to kill any remaining mold spores.

Depending on the location of the water leak, it could go undetected for weeks, months, or even years in some extreme cases. Most homeowners who have plumbing leaks have slow drips, so you might not see signs of damage until they become severe problems. It’s a good idea to have a plumbing inspection done annually and to take steps yourself to check for leaks, including inspecting your floor, walls, and ceilings for signs of water damage, monitoring your utility bills, and looking for water around appliances and fixtures.