Mold is a type of fungus that can grow both indoors and outdoors. It grows best in damp, warm, and humid environments and can be found on walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture.
Mold may cause a variety of health problems, including allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections. People with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases are at a higher risk of developing more serious health problems from mold exposure. Therefore, it is important to take measures to avoid mold growth in your home.
In this article, we will give you six tips to prevent harmful mold growth in your house and keep your family safe. So, keep reading to learn more!
Keep Your House Clean and Dry
The first and most essential tip to prevent mold growth is to keep your house clean and dry. Mold spores are everywhere, but they only grow when there’s a food source, such as dust, dirt, or dampness. To prevent mold from growing, you should remove its food source.
Regularly cleaning your house and drying wet areas will help to reduce mold growth. Vacuum your floors and furniture regularly, and wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth. In addition, fix any leaks or water damage as soon as possible to prevent mold from growing.
Control Humidity Levels
Mold loves damp, humid environments, so it’s important to keep your house at a comfortable humidity level. The ideal relative humidity level is typically between 30 and 50 percent. You can measure the humidity in your home with a hygrometer, which is available at most hardware stores.
If the humidity levels in your home are too high, there are a few things you can do to lower them. Use a dehumidifier to eliminate extra moisture from the air, and ventilate your home by opening doors and windows. In addition, make sure to use exhaust fans when cooking or showering to prevent moisture from building up.
Inspect Your Home for Leaks
Leaky pipes and roofs are one of the most common causes of mold growth. Inspect your home regularly for any signs of water damage, such as stains on ceilings or walls, peeling paint, or musty odors.
In case you notice any damage, repair it as soon as possible to prevent mold from growing.
Use Mold-Resistant Products
When remodeling or building a new home, use mold-resistant products to help prevent mold growth. Mold-resistant drywall, paint, and flooring are available at most home improvement stores.
These products are specially treated to resist mold growth, making them a good choice for areas that are prone to dampness.
Keep Indoor Plants Outside
While plants can help improve the air quality in your home, they can also contribute to mold growth.
Soil is a common source of mold spores, so it’s best to keep indoor plants outdoors. If you do have indoor plants, make sure to water them regularly and keep the soil dry.
Get Professional Help
If you can’t handle the mold problem on your own, don’t hesitate to get professional help. A mold remediation company will have the right tools and products to safely remove mold from your home. In addition, they can help you find the source of the mold and make sure it doesn’t come back.
You can find mold remediation companies through word-of-mouth or by searching online. For instance, if you live in Bellevue, WA, you can search for “mold remediation Bellevue” and find several companies that offer mold removal services.
Just make sure to read reviews before hiring a company to ensure they’re reputable and will do a good job.
Keep Your Home “Healthy”
Although mold spores are present everywhere, they can cause health problems when they grow and spread.
By following the six tips presented in this article, you can help to prevent mold growth in your home and keep your family safe and healthy.