Mold doesn’t come up in our conversations until we notice tiny black marks on walls, floors, and ceilings. It is an unwelcome arrival that looks ugly and has health repercussions. Mold severely impacts individuals who suffer from respiratory issues and allergies. Because of these reasons, it is important you make mold elimination and prevention a priority.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through practical steps and best practices to prevent mold growth so your home stays clean, healthy, and safe for you and your loved ones.
Why It Is Important To Prevent Mold Growth
Preventing mold growth is important, and not just for aesthetic reasons. Humidity attracts mold and usually thrives in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Mold triggers diverse health problems, from respiratory troubles to coughing fits and skin irritations, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Asthma patients, those with compromised immune systems, children, and the elderly are most vulnerable to mold-related issues.
A report suggests that 47% of American homes have mold. It shows how common this problem is. The best way to protect your home and your health is by taking proactive steps before mold becomes a big problem.
Best Practices To Prevent Mold Growth
Now, let’s look at different techniques and methods for preventing mold growth in our homes.
Control Moisture Levels
The number one way to stop mold growth is by controlling the moisture levels in your home. Controlling damp conditions can be highly effective in keeping mold growth in check.
Tips & Techniques
- Respond to leaks and fix them quickly. Run periodic inspections of your sewerage pipes and look for signs of water leaks.
- Install dehumidifiers in başements and bathrooms since they help decrease the humidity levels in these areas.
- Use windows and fans for proper air circulation in your home, and do not let humidity build up. Bathrooms and kitchens should have exhaust fans because they evacuate moisture from the air.
Control Humidity Levels
Keeping humidity levels below 60% can help prevent mold growth. Maintain a humidity level between 30-50 % inside your home. Use a hygrometer, an inexpensive and easy-to-use instrument, to check moisture levels in your home.
Tips & Techniques
- A humidifier proves effective for dry climates, but use it wisely and don’t overdo it. Also, keep it in good working condition so it works effectively.
- Dry all wet surfaces using towels and soft clothes. Don’t let water stand inside your house for long. It will attract mold. Remember, mold doesn’t take much time to take hold.
Keep Your Home Clean
Mold spreads by consuming materials such as dirt, dust, leaves, and food crumbs. Keeping your home clean aids in preventing mold growth. It will also look good and preserve its market value. There should be routine cleaning and wiping in your home to eliminate moisture and debris accumulation.
Tips & Techniques
- Keep an eye on mold-prone spots on walls, floors, and ceilings. Mold loves dark and humid spaces.
- Regularly wash and dry your towels, rugs, and bedding to eliminate potential moisture accumulation.
Use Mold-Resistant Materials
When building or renovating a home, introduce mold-resistant elements into damp locations. These materials discourage the conditions that promote mold growth.
Tips & Techniques
- Use mold-resistant paints, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, to prevent mold growth.
- Waterproof materials such as vinyl and tile are better flooring choices because they prevent moisture from getting trapped and encourage mold growth.
Use Heat To Ward Off Mold
Keep your homes heated to stop mold from making them its home. Experts recommend keeping the room temperature in the range of 68-73F; for kitchens and bathrooms, it should be 60F. While it may not be possible to maintain these temperatures during hot summer months, we can surely try.
Tips & Techniques
- Don’t let your home temperature fall below 57F for a sustained period.
Mold Prevention In Specific Areas
Let’s look at what you can do to discourage it in areas where it is more likely to rear its (ugly black) head.
Bathrooms
- Install an exhaust fan in a bathroom and use it before and after taking showers to decrease moisture levels.
- Use cleaning solutions to eliminate the condensation on walls and mirrors.
- Apply mold-killing solution to grout lines to keep them contamination-free.
Kitchens
- Promptly clean all spills and take care of any leaking.
- Inspect your dishwasher, refrigerator, and sink from time to time to confirm they are in proper working order with no signs of leaks.
- After every kitchen use, dry off the counters, then wipe them with a clean cloth.
Basements
- To maintain dry air in the basements, you should install a dehumidifier.
- Insulate pipes to prevent condensation.
- The basement requires proper ventilation, and there should be no leaks and standing water.
What To Do If You Find Mold
Mold is very stubborn and can appear even when homeowners make every attempt at prevention. These steps will help you deal with mold discoveries inside your residence:
- You can effectively remove mold in small areas ( less than 10 square feet) using soap, water, and some basic scrubbing and brushing.
- Let mold remediation specialists handle extensive mold growths or when it has spread to hard-to-reach areas, affecting home systems such as HVAC.
Conclusion: Prevent Mold Growth And Enjoy Healthy Living
Preventing mold growth matters equally for home cleanliness and maintaining the health of your household members. Proper moisture control, checking leaks, and good ventilation enable homeowners to minimize mold infestation in their homes.
Contact Elite Inspections to get expert assistance and a professional evaluation of your home for mold prevention. We will examine your home for moisture problems and guide you about mold prevention. Protect your health and residence by taking prompt action since mold issues can worsen before you notice them.
Reach out to Elite Inspections to receive a mold prevention consultation and detailed assessment service.
