Mold is dangerous to your health; it causes nasal congestion, itchy eyes, coughing, sneezing, and lung irritation. As mold grows, it produces millions of invisible spores to the naked eye. Mold grows in places that might seem unlikely, like a damp spot on the wall or under a carpet. When mold finds its new home, it spreads quickly and can ruin your property.
Mold removal services that can help in Louisville can be expensive and disruptive, so prevention is key. Instead of tackling mold with harmful chemicals, read to learn these four simple tips to prevent and stop mold from spreading.
Clean Up Water Leaks Immediately
Mold needs moisture to grow and spread throughout the house. If your home has ever experienced a flood or leaky pipes, ensure that you clean up the water before 48 hours elapses so it doesn’t have time to seep into your walls or floors, where it can grow into mold.
Here are steps on how to clean up water leaks:
- Stop the leak when you notice it by turning off the water supply or shutting off the valve. If you can’t find the valve, call a plumber!
- If there is standing water, use towels or rags to absorb water.
- Use a dehumidifier if areas still feel damp after drying out everything. Place dehumidifiers in those rooms for several days until there are no moisture traces from indoor air quality and surfaces like walls, floors, and ceilings.
- Use a disinfectant cleaner on hard surfaces like tiles and floors; then mop or sponge them dry with clean towels or rags.
After cleaning, contact a plumber to identify the problem with your plumbing and fix it so that mold doesn’t get a chance to grow in those areas.
Manage Humidity Levels
Humidity levels between 30% and 60% are ideal for indoor environments. When humidity levels rise above this range, it creates a perfect climate for mold growth.
To control humidity levels:
- Use a dehumidifier in areas of your home that get excessive moisture buildups, such as bathrooms and basements.
- You should open windows during dry periods when the air outdoors is cooler than inside the house. It allows fresh air circulates through the space and helps improve indoor air quality by keeping humidity levels low.
- Ensure your windows are adequately sealed and use caulk or weatherstripping on the edges. If you have any cracks or holes in the seals, it’s easy for humidity to seep into your home through these spaces.
- Wipe bathroom walls after showering. Wipe down all surfaces after each use with a damp cloth or sponge, especially around faucets where water tends to collect and pool on the floor.
- Open bathroom windows while taking a bath. Bathrooms get very humid when they’re closed up after showering or bathing — especially if there’s no exhaust fan installed. Open up bathroom windows while taking a bath or shower to allow the humidity to escape in your home.
- Dont dry clothes in the house; it releases moisture into the air, which can cause condensation on windows and walls.
Use Mold Resistant Products to Build Your Home
If you’re building or renovating a home, use mold-resistant products such as paints and sealants. It prevents moisture from getting inside the walls of your home, which might allow mold to grow later on.
For example, if you’re building a deck or patio, use wood treated with anti-mold fungicide, anti-mold drywall, etc.
Repair and Clean Roof Gutters
Roof gutters are an essential part of your home’s HVAC system. They allow rainwater to flow off the roof and out of the house. If they become clogged with debris or leaves, water will pool in them, creating a damp environment where mold can grow.
To prevent this from happening, clean your gutters regularly and repair damaged sections. If you don’t have time to do it yourself, hire a contractor.
What are the Signs of Mold Growth In Your House?
Mold growth can occur anywhere in your house, but if you have a basement, crawl space, or attic, you should be extra cautious.
The following are common signs of mold growth in your house:
- Musty odor.
- Black or green spots on walls.
- Discoloration in ceiling tiles or wallpaper.
Mold can be pretty troubling to deal with. However, if you catch it early enough, you can prevent mold from worsening. Mold needs a dark, moist environment to grow. In your home or apartment, you must locate the source of the moisture and eliminate it. Maintaining a clean home and frequent ventilation is the most crucial step to preventing mold.
