As a homeowner, you may be concerned with mold. Mold growth can cause unsightly staining, deterioration of materials, and health issues for your family. It’s important to ensure mold doesn’t take hold in your living spaces. Whether you’re dealing with excess humidity or a slow leak, here are a few helpful tips to prevent mold growth in your home.
Ways to Prevent Mold Growth
1. Keep the House Dry
Mold thrives in moist environments, so keeping your home dry is vital to prevent mold growth. Keep an eye out for roof and plumbing leaks or areas of water damage, and make repairs immediately.
2. Improve Air Quality to Prevent Mold Growth
Good ventilation helps prevent mold. Make sure your home has good airflow in the bathroom and kitchen, and use the exhaust fans anytime you cook or shower. When the weather is nice, open windows to boost circulation throughout the house. Regularly change your air filters to ensure clean air circulates through the living spaces.
3. Use Mold-Resistant Materials
If you’re renovating or building a new home, choose mold-resistant materials like drywall and paint. These materials are moisture-resistant and help to prevent mold growth.
4. Clean Regularly to Prevent Mold Growth
Regular housecleaning is essential to combat mold. Wipe up spills immediately, and keep surfaces clean and dry. Dust and vacuum at least weekly to trap and remove mold spores. Pay attention to areas more susceptible to mold growth, like bathrooms, kitchens, and mudrooms, and clean these spaces with products designed to combat mold.
5. Properly Store Your Belongings
Mold can grow on clothes, shoes, books, upholstery, and other belongings. Properly store these items in a dry, clean area. Don’t keep important belongings, including essential documents, musical instruments, and expensive clothing, in damp areas like unheated garages and attics.
6. Monitor Indoor Humidity
Excess humidity creates a breeding ground for mold. Invest in a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels and keep them between 30-60%. In areas that tend to be humid, like the bathroom and laundry room, use a moisture-absorbing product or run a dehumidifier to help keep humidity in check.
7. Take Action Immediately
If you spot mold in your home, don’t wait to tackle the problem. Clean and dry the affected area and address the source of the moisture. If the mold growth is severe, hire a professional to handle the removal.
Mold can be a serious issue for homeowners, but you can take steps to prevent it from taking hold in your living spaces. With the above tips, you can keep mold at bay and enjoy a healthy and clean home.
Advanced Termite and Home Inspections offers inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in Eastern NC. Contact us to request an appointment.