Mold can grow almost anywhere in your house. All it needs is moisture and darkness. But mold growth in your home is bad news, as it can lead to breathing problems and severe allergies.
Additionally, unchecked mold and mildew growth can even cause structural damage to your property. So, it’s best to throw caution to the wind and prevent mold spores from taking hold of your home.
To help you with this, we have listed some useful mold prevention tips to protect your home from harmful fungus and make it safe for your loved ones.
Helpful Tips for Mold Prevention
⇒ Inspect Your Home for Leaks
Damaged plumbing and expected leaks are the number one causes of water damage and are responsible for mold growth. So, to prevent mold growth in your home, you need to inspect your home carefully for any major or minor leaks.
Therefore, check your entire home from top to bottom, including bathrooms, kitchen, and other sinks. Doing so will reduce the chances of unnecessary leaks and won’t give mold spores an environment to thrive.
⇒ Dry Wet Areas Quickly
Moisture is a critical factor for mold growth. So you can prevent it by tackling the wet areas right away. If you have damp areas in your home from leaks or other reasons, you should dry them immediately.
Moreover, porous items, like carpet and upholstery, should be dried within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If you can’t dry these items, it’s best to discard them, as they will only increase the chances of mold growth.
⇒ Ventilate Your Home Properly
Ventilate your kitchens and bathrooms properly by running an exhaust fan and opening the windows when you are cooking or bathing. It will prevent the moisture from getting trapped and become a vehicle for mold growth.
Use AC and dehumidifiers in your home to ensure proper ventilation, and get them checked periodically to ensure they don’t produce moisture. Also, Keep the vent openings for moisture-producing appliances, like cloth dryers and stoves to the outside instead of the attic.
⇒ Monitor and Control Indoor Humidity
Like moisture, humidity is also responsible for mold growth. The higher the humidity, the more the chances of mold growth. So, you should monitor and control the humidity level in your home.
To do that, invest in a hygrometer and ensure humidity stays between 40-50%. When it gets too humid, lower the temperature of your AC or use a dehumidifier to bring down the humidity levels.
⇒ Clean and disinfect bathrooms weekly
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your home is equally important to keep mold spores at bay. You need to set time aside to clean and disinfect your bathrooms weekly to prevent mold growth.
While cleaning the bathroom, use a squeegee to remove the moisture from walls and mirrors to ensure no excess water remains. Don’t forget to use a sanitizer all over your bathroom. It will kill any existing mold spores and create an unfavorable environment for others to grow.
Bottom Line
Mold growth is the worst-case scenario for homeowners, and it’s best to prevent it rather than risk tackling it. But if you suspect mold growth in your home, act smartly and avoid interacting with the fungus without any precaution or safety gear. Don’t let kids and pets near the mold-prone area and protect them till you get help.
