Mold growth is a concern in many homes. It is unsightly and can become costly to remedy. Mold causes staining and affects the structure of your house and your indoor air quality. Mold and mildew thrive in damp, poorly ventilated areas. Here are a few ways to prevent mold growth in your home.
Remove Moisture to Prevent Mold Growth
Reducing moisture in your home is one of the primary ways to prevent mold growth. Mold requires water to thrive, so it is essential to keep your home dry.
Immediately wipe up spills and repair plumbing leaks. Hang towels after using them, and turn on the ventilation fans when showering or cooking. Discard and replace carpet, drywall, and upholstery exposed to flooding or water damage.
Monitor Humidity Levels and Ventilate
Damp towels and surfaces are not the only contributors to mold in a home. Humid air can also foster an environment for mold growth. Monitor the humidity indoors with a moisture meter and check for signs of excess humidity, such as condensation on windows or walls.
Humidity levels indoors should be no more than 50 percent. Use a dehumidifier in any areas of the house where moisture is a problem. Adequate airflow also helps control humidity. Turn on exhaust fans to vent damp air outside the house, especially in the bathroom and laundry room, when drying laundry and taking showers or baths.
Use Mold-Resistant Products
Mold-fighting materials are available for your home when building or renovating. Use mold-resistant drywall or sheetrock in areas such as the basement, bathroom, and kitchen, where excess moisture is a problem. Mold-resistant drywall is composed of fiberglass, which is moisture-resistant.
Your local hardware store will also carry mold-resistant paints and mold inhibitors to add to any color or brand you choose.
Keep Up on Maintenance
Keeping your home up to date on routine maintenance is a great way to prevent mold growth. Monitor the conditions of your roof, plumbing, pipes, and appliances, and fix leaks in these systems as soon as possible. Plumbing leaks, roofing damage, and deteriorating appliance hoses can lead to moisture and mold growth.
Clean Routinely to Prevent Mold Growth
Mold thrives in unkempt homes, so routine cleaning habits will help prevent mold growth. Wet towels or clothes contribute to mold growth. Hang the bath towels to dry or toss them in the clothes dryer before leaving for work. Set a reminder to move the laundry from the washing machine to the dryer. Damp clothes can begin to mold in the machine.
Sweep and mop regularly and turn on a fan to dry the floor quickly. When cleaning damp areas, use products that fight mold. Bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and vinegar help to kill mold on various surfaces.
A Superior Inspection, LLC offers inspection services to home buyers and sellers in Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri. Contact us to schedule an appointment.