Mold: just the thought of it is enough to make most people shiver. A mold outbreak isn’t just gross to think about — mold is harmful to your health and hard to get rid of. The good news is that with caution and diligence, keeping your home mold-free is easy. Here are 5 tips for keeping mold and moisture out of your home.
1. Identify & Address Problem Areas
The first step in preventing mold from growing in your home is to be aware of the areas that might be susceptible. Removing an old carpet or getting rid of some furniture might be all it takes to save your home from a mold breakout. That being said, you may need to undertake a few bigger projects to make sure your home is safe. Although waterproofing your basement or redoing your roof can seem daunting, the safety of you and your family outweighs the time and money you’ll spend on these projects.
2. Monitor Humidity
Monitoring the level of humidity in your home is one of the most important parts of preventing mold growth. The optimal level of humidity in the home is between 30 and 60 percent. You can purchase a humidity monitor at a hardware store. If your humidity levels are over 60% in parts of your home, connect with a mold specialist who can help you bring those numbers down.
3. Clean Up Leaks & Spills
All it takes is a little bit of moisture to develop issues with mold. Everything from minor spills to leaks should be dried immediately when possible. If your home floods, make sure you remove anything that may have become water damaged, especially rugs and furniture.
Your everyday habits could have an impact, too. Remember not to leave wet clothes and towels on the floor, turn on the fan after a shower, and don’t leave clothing in the washing machine. These small tasks may seem irrelevant, but they can have a huge impact on the health of your home.
4. Ventilation & Airflow
You should also make sure your home is well ventilated and facilitates airflow. As the temperature lowers, the air in your home won’t be able to retain as much moisture. Without ventilation, excess moisture will sink into your walls and floors. That’s why it’s so important to allow your appliances to vent after use — anything from taking a shower to using your kitchen can contribute to moisture build-up in your home. You can also improve your home’s airflow by opening windows and doors when you can and keeping your furniture away from walls.
5. Proper Home Maintenance
While small changes can certainly have an impact, there are a few bigger maintenance projects that you need to make sure you’re completing annually to keep your home mold-free. Most importantly, you need to take care of the parts of your home that keep water out. Most people know that their gutters should be cleaned every year, but you should also keep an eye out for cracks in your foundation, damage to your roof, and issues with your downspouts. If you notice damage to these areas of your home, connect with a pro who can ensure your home stays moisture and mold-free.
See a few things on this list that your home is lacking? A mold specialist will be happy to help. Trust us when we say that you won’t regret mold-proofing your home sooner rather than later.
