Mold. Just saying the word is enough to make people shiver. With mold’s links to fungal growth, asthma attacks, and multiple toxic compounds, it’s imperative that you do everything in your power to stop this menace in its tracks. But many homeowners are unsure of what they can do to prevent an infestation from occurring. Here are four easy ways to prevent mold growth in your home.
Control Humidity
When moisture is in the air, mold can grow. It’s impossible (and undesirable) to remove this moisture completely, but you can take many steps to control humidity. Here are some simple steps for limiting moisture in rooms where water flows freely.
Bathroom Tips
With the combination of the small space and a high number of water sources, the bathroom can be a prime target for mold infestation. But you can take several steps to prevent it from taking hold. When showering, be sure to turn on the fan or open a window to remove moisture from the air. You should also be sure to wipe down the shower after each use to prevent sitting water, as this can act as a bacterial breeding ground. You should also hang your towels so that as much surface area as possible is exposed to speed up the drying process. Finally, clean soap scum wherever you find it, as this can also be a home for mold.
Kitchen Tips
As with the bathroom, many places in your kitchen can quickly become contaminated if you don’t take care of the space. Look under the sink for any standing water to prevent mold growth in cabinets. You should also avoid carpets or rugs in the kitchen if possible, because they can retain water and attract bacteria. You should also keep your refrigerator and freezer clean to prevent moisture leaks. Lastly, run fans or open windows when you’re cooking to control the moisture from steam.
Laundry Room Tips
People often ignore the laundry room when considering mold due to how little time they usually spend in there. But it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you don’t follow the proper precautions. Don’t let laundry sit in the washing machine after use, because mold and mildew can quickly invade most fabrics. You can also keep humidity down by keeping appliance doors closed so that moisture can’t escape the machines. You should regularly pull out and inspect behind the washer and dryer for any signs of an infestation. If you still find that moisture in the air is a problem in this room or any other room, run a dehumidifier to alleviate the situation.
Keep Up the Home
It’s important to stay vigilant when you’re dealing with the threat of mold because of how easily the fungus can stick to any surface and grow. But staying current on home maintenance can stop an outbreak in its tracks. Cracks in the ceiling or walls can quickly become infestation hot zones if you don’t properly patch and seal them. Performing regular inspections of exposed pipes can stop any leaks from forming. You should regularly check the seals around all the windows in your home to prevent air from coming in. If you do find a draft, sealing and caulking the area can prevent mold growth from starting in the first place.
Small steps can also make a big difference when you’re fighting the fungus. Quickly clean up any spills, and dry them as quickly as possible. This is especially important for rugs and carpets due to how easily mold and mildew can form in fabrics. Emptying the drip tray from appliances that have one can prevent leaks, spills, and overflows from becoming standing water. When you’re emptying these trays, be sure to lay down a path of towels to prevent the water from spilling onto any carpeting or flooring. Finally, running a ceiling fan keeps the air moving, making it more difficult for mold to take hold.
Update Insulation
A few different easy ways to prevent mold growth in your home make use of insulation. One thing you can do is insulate any exposed pipes. When water runs through the pipes, it can cause condensation to form, which increases humidity. By insulating the pipes, you can prevent this from becoming a mold problem. Just be sure there’s not too much of a gap between the insulation and the pipe itself, or the insultation won’t work properly.
You should also be sure to insulate any exposed vents in crawl spaces. This can include in the attic, in the basement, or under the house. These open vents can allow moisture to enter the house in areas where you may not have a reason to look under normal circumstances. By preventing an outbreak in these locations before they begin, you can avoid the frustration of trying to find where the mold infestation originates.
Optimize the Outside
You can also do a few things outside your home that can stop mold from taking over the inside. One trick is to drain any water away from the house using gutters and your sump pump. Speaking of gutters, cleaning them regularly can also prevent mold infestations from occurring.
Just like the inside, you should perform regular inspections of the outside of the home for any cracks in the walls or foundation. Leaks can quickly turn into flooding, and flooding is a likely candidate for mold outbreaks. Lastly, be sure to regularly check your roof for leaks. If you have any dripping water in your home, be sure your roof hasn’t sustained any damage. Immediately replacing any missing tiles or shingles not only prevents mold growth but also keeps your roof and the support beams in good condition.
If you have already been hit by a mold outbreak, call the team at Aloha Restoration to get your home back. With our knowledge and experience, we can handle any fungus problems. We are the experts in mold removal in Lake County, IL, and we are here to lend a hand every step of the way.
