Mold Prevention Tips

There are a lot of different ways to prevent mold from occurring in your home. If mold is found, then the steps below will keep problems from getting worse. In one sense or another, if you have a mold problem you have a moisture problem that needs to be dealt with.

Deal With Moisture Issues

Moisture is the number one requirement of any mold. There are two ways excess moisture can enter the home, either through direct water intrusion or from excess humidity levels that develop condensation. A humidity sensor will allow for you to monitor moisture levels in your home. The moister the environment, the more likely it is that mold will colonize your home.

One of the most obvious sources of mold growth is direct water intrusion either through structure leaks, plumbing issues or foundation problems. Educate yourself on the basics of your home so you can do regular maintenance checks throughout. You may want to consider having a professional come evaluate the property annually or bi-annually. If any problems are noticed get them fixed right away as the longer they are around, the worse they can get.

General Cleaning

Keeping your indoor environment clean can go a long way in preventing mold growth. Mold can start to grow naturally in certain places of your home and not cleaning allows the mold to colonize and turn a non-issue into a real problem. Vinegar, borax, bleach, and other cleaners can be used to kill mold, and it’s spores. Be sure to test a small area before using a new cleaner and always mix solutions as instructed for safety. Wiping down surfaces is easy to build into your weekly cleaning routine.

HVAC System and Mold Growth

An air conditioning unit is also a buildings natural dehumidifier. Many people do not realize this and avoid using the HVAC unit in an attempt to save money, even if it means they are uncomfortable at times.

Good ventilation and air flow can go a long way towards mold prevention. Air flow allows for water and condensation to escape instead of building to unhealthy levels. Kitchens are a notorious place for mold to occur due to all the steam from cooking. A vent hood not only keeps your kitchen cleaner and more pleasant to work in, it also eliminates the moisture that mold loves.

Deal With Wet Clothing and Bedding

Drying clothes immediately after they are washed is important when it comes to preventing mold. Try to time loads where clothing only sits for the minimal amount of time. Socks and gym clothes that are sweaty and damp should be laundered as quickly as possible using a good detergent.

Keep It Clean

Mold only grows on surfaces where there is a nutrient source. If mold is found growing on plastic or other non-organic substances, then it is because there is a layer of organic material for it to grow on. This means keeping surfaces cleaned well is essential to mold prevention. Grease and grime provide nutrients to mold. Carpeting that is not cleaned regularly can contain many allergens including mold. While all carpeting should be professionally cleaned occasionally, your daily carpet maintenance should include vacuuming with an HEPA filter vacuum.

Let The Sun Shine In

Mold loves dark spaces. Ultraviolet light kills mold. Opening your blinds and shades regularly and bathing your home in light will decrease the chances of deadly molds growing in your home. If you find mold in a darker place, then you might consider setting up a light source near it to help prevent it from spreading further.