Ways to Prevent Mold and Keep Your Home Dry
Mold is a common problem and can be challenging to deal with. However, there are some measures you can take to prevent and remove mold. Keep your house dry; it’s one of the most excellent methods to avoid mold. It is essential during the hot and humid summer months.
Clean Up the Area
The first step in battling mold is getting to the problem’s root. It means you need to inspect for sources of moisture, find out what caused the moisture to appear in the first place, and fix the problem so it doesn’t happen again. Depending on the region’s size, it would be better to employ a professional restoration company to complete this task. But if you manage it yourself, you can do a few things to help. To prevent recontamination, you’ll need to seal off all spore-infested areas and dispose of any materials that have come into contact with mold. Washing off any equipment, clothes or shoes exposed to mold is also essential. If you’re dealing with black mold, a simple solution of bleach and water can be used. But make sure you don’t use ammonia detergents, which will cause a poisonous gas when mixed with bleach.
Check for Sources of Moisture
Moisture can access a house in several ways, including construction materials and basements or crawlspaces. It can also come from rain or leaking pipes that must be repaired.
Look for any potential entrance points for water. Then, you can take steps to prevent future problems. Taking a bucket of water and pouring it near the foundation is an easy way to determine where moisture is coming in. Then, ensure gutters and downspouts move water away from the foundation.
Dehumidify
Dehumidifying your home helps lower humidity levels, reducing mold growth chances. Humidity levels of over 60% can cause various health problems, including respiratory issues, irritated eyes and skin, and aggravated allergies. Mold spores can enter your home from the outside through open doors, windows, vents and heating and air conditioning systems. They can also spread inside your home through clothing, shoes, bags, and pets. Installing a dehumidifier is only one approach to dealing with and preventing mold in your house. Dehumidifiers come in two different types; refrigerant and desiccant. Refrigerant dehumidifiers are effective in removing excess moisture and humidity. They work best for environments that must be dry, such as pharmaceutical buildings and storage tanks.
Prevent Future Growth
Mold is a fungal organism reproduces by expelling microscopic spores into the air. The spores can then land on moist surfaces and grow.
The sections of your home affected by mold should thus be kept as dry as possible. The best way to do this is by using a dehumidifier.
Making sure your home is aired correctly is another thing you can do to stop the formation of mold. Humidity makes it easier for moisture to develop, and dampness can take longer to dry. Also, check your storage areas for signs of mold, especially where summer gear is stored. Often these areas are in basements, garages or sheds. If you keep your outdoor equipment and clothes there, storing them in plastic tubs or shelving units that sit off the ground is a good idea. It will prevent any leaking or flooding and help keep your belongings safe from mold.