Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home, Remember M-O-L-D
November 26, 2014 / GVC Mortgage, Inc. / Command Center, The Homefront, The Kitchen Table
Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home, Remember M-O-L-D
Mold. The very word makes you cringe and you won’t be pleased to know it’s all around you. However, you can prevent mold growth in your home by maintaining a clean and cool environment. Just remember what the letters in the word mold stand for.
M is for moisture
Mold loves moisture and thrives in warm, wet, climates. The easiest way to deal with potential mold growth is having proper moisture control. Control means two things.
- You need to ensure the humidity in your home is not too high. In places where the humidity runs slightly higher, like your basem*nt, you can utilize a de-humidifier. Some de-humidifiers have an auto-shut-off to make sure the bin doesn’t overflow.
- You need to eliminate any wet areas in your home immediately. If you’ve recently suffered seepage into your basem*nt from a heavy rainfall, or you spilled a glass of water on your carpet, be sure to dry it up as best and as quickly as you can—preferably within 24-48 hours. In addition, try to wipe down the walls after you shower and don’t leave wet clothes lying around or sitting in the washing machine.
O is for organic
Mold can thrive on organic surfaces so you want to limit these. If you’re renovating or building a new home completely, try equipping your home with as many mold-resistant products as possible. This includes, but is not limited to, mold-resistant dry wall and paint.
If you have plants in your home make sure you’re keeping the mold off of them. You don’t have to throw them out, but keep in mind the moist soil is the perfect breeding ground for mold. To help with the prevention of mold, you can add a little bit of Taheebo tea to the water you give to your plants.
L is for light
Mold hates light. Other than moisture there’s nothing mold loves more than dark places. An easy prevention against mold growth is opening your blinds and shades. If it’s warm enough out,open the windows. Sunlight and fresh air are about as “anti-mold” as it gets, plus it’s easy to do.
The sun is especially helpful for items that can’t go through the wash. The fresh air and sunlight will keep the mold from growing on your precious items like your furniture, walls, and mattresses.
D is for dust
Mold can spawn from dust. It’s impossible to rid your home of all mold and mold spores. However, you can limit the number in your home and in your air by vacuuming and dusting regularly. Make sure you pay special attention to bathrooms, the kitchen area, and anywhere else subject to high moisture concentrations.
It’s as easy as M-O-L-D
It’s easy to prevent mold from growing inside your home. Remembering the meaning of mold will help keep both you and your home safe and healthy from unwanted mold growth.
How are you fighting mold in your home?
FAQs
Buildings and building furnishings will often get wet. They must be dried or "allowed to dry" quickly (within 24-48 hours) in order to avoid mold growth. In general, increasing air circulation and temperature will increase the speed of drying.
How do I stop mold from growing in my house? ›
Mold Basics
- The key to mold control is moisture control.
- If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
- It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home
- Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. ...
- Be sure the air in your home flows freely. ...
- Fix any leaks in your home's roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
Cleaning agents most effective for getting rid of mold
- Chlorine bleach. ...
- Hydrogen peroxide. ...
- Distilled white vinegar. ...
- Baking soda. ...
- Microban 24 Multi-Purpose Cleaner.
- This stuff prevents the growth of mold and mildew for 7 days after use on hard surfaces.*
Buildings and building furnishings will often get wet. They must be dried or "allowed to dry" quickly (within 24-48 hours) in order to avoid mold growth. In general, increasing air circulation and temperature will increase the speed of drying.
What can I spray to prevent mold? ›
The effectiveness and affordability of white vinegar makes it an excellent choice for use on just about any surface. It is also effective to use to prevent mold from returning to problem areas. Simply spray the problem area lightly every few days and wipe.
What does mold hate? ›
Sunlight and fresh air are about as “anti-mold” as it gets, plus it's easy to do.
What kills mold spores in the air? ›
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it in the air to help kill mold spores. Vinegar: Vinegar is an effective natural cleaner that can help kill mold spores. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it in the air to help kill mold spores.
How can I protect myself from mold in my house? ›
Mold Cleanup
- Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores. In order to limit your exposure to airborne mold spores, you may want to wear an N-95 respirator, available at many hardware stores and from companies that advertise on the Internet. ...
- Wear gloves. ...
- Wear goggles.
To prevent mould from returning, you'll need to reduce humidity and improve ventilation in the room. Use dehumidifiers, fans, or air conditioners, and make sure your home has adequate insulation. Regularly check for leaks in your home's plumbing and roof, as excess water can lead to mould growth.
Mould doesn't just appear on the surface it goes deep into your internal walls and once you have sprayed or soaked the mould in bleach the mould continues to spread within the brickwork. Only specialist mould removal products and proper ventilation can completely remove the underlying cause of the problem.
How do you keep mold from regrowing? ›
Get Rid of Moisture
Most mold growths thrive in dark, moist locations, so you should check your home regularly for leaks or areas that fit this description. You can do this with fans or basic rags to wipe up any standing liquid. Do any necessary repairs to make sure the water doesn't come back.
How to mold proof a house? ›
Mold-Proofing Your Home: Tips for New Construction and Renovation
- Start with a Solid Foundation.
- Ventilation is Key.
- Control Moisture Levels.
- Choose Mold-Resistant Materials.
- Regular Inspections and Maintenance.
- Invest in Air Purifiers.
- Spotting Mold During Construction or Remodeling.
- Mold-Proof Any Space with Air Oasis.
The best way to prevent mold is to control moisture. Keep the indoor humidity below 60% relative humidity, ideally between 30% and 50%.
How to ventilate a house to prevent mold? ›
Using dehumidifiers and air conditioning effectively.
Dehumidifiers extract excess moisture from the air, while air conditioning not only cools but also dehumidifies the indoor environment. Utilizing these appliances efficiently can help maintain an optimal indoor humidity level and reduce the risk of mold growth.
Why does my house keep getting mold? ›
When we take long hot showers, cook with uncovered pots, dry clothes on an indoor clothesline, or use humidifiers, we also make more moisture for molds to grow. Storing wet firewood, watering many plants, and storing many vegetables like potatoes and squash can make a mold problem more likely, too.
Can a house be saved from mold? ›
Even though you can clean thoroughly and remove rotten materials, you may never fully rid your home of mold – professionals call it "mold remediation." Visible mold can mean more extensive problems in your drywall, insulation, subflooring, studs, ceilings and other hidden areas.
