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How to Prevent Mold In Your Home

by May 13, 2019Home Tips

By now, you’ve probably heard about the toxic health effects of having mold in your home. The Internet is full of horror stories from homeowners who suffered for years before they discovered that mold was the root of their health issues. Mold cleanup can be expensive and time-consuming. Luckily, there are steps you can take to make sure mold doesn’t form in the first place.

Let’s take a look at things you can do to prevent mold in your home.

Keep Your Home Dry

It goes without saying that damp walls or wet flooring can cause mold, but did you know that the humidity level in the air can also promote its growth? Homes with a humidity level higher than 60% are more prone to mold problems, so keeping your air dry is one way to protect your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using a moisture meter, which you can get at most home improvement stores, to make sure your humidity stays within an acceptable range.

Look for moisture and condensation, and address whatever seems to be causing them. Leaky roofs and windows are another problem area to be aware of. Get them sealed and repaired as soon as possible once you notice the leak.

Ventilate the Bathroom and Kitchen

Hot showers are relaxing, but they can fill your bathroom with steam that leaves the walls and surfaces damp. Cooking and running a dishwasher can also cause your kitchen to steam up. Make sure to crack a window in both rooms if you can, or at least run the exhaust fan to keep things from getting too wet and encouraging mold growth. Also, use a mold-killing cleaning product once a week.

 

In addition, watch out for humidifiers in bedrooms. While running them overnight shouldn’t be a problem, overuse can cause too much humidity. Move furniture away from windows, and open hall and closet doors to promote better air circulation in your room.

 

Use Mold-Resistant Products

Paperless drywall, mold-resistant sheetrock, and mold-inhibiting paint are just some of the products you can purchase to keep mold off your new construction. It’s also a good idea to use area rugs on concrete floors. Carpeting over concrete can hold in moisture that leads to mold and mildew problems, while area rugs can easily be removed, cleaned, and aired out.

 

Limit Houseplants

Not only do houseplants enjoy humid environments, their soil is the perfect place for mold to grow. If you do have houseplants, try keeping them out of bedrooms and in open, airier spaces that get more circulation. Avoid over-watering them; it’s not good for the plant, and the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings to keep mold from setting in.

Breathe Easier at Home

Mold in your home can cause allergies and respiratory infections, among other health issues. If you suspect your home might have a mold situation, give us a call right away. 1st Choice Inspection Services can answer any questions you have about mold. Let us take a look and give your house a clean bill of health.

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