Molds are a natural component of the world. Mold can be beneficial in the outdoors, where it breaks down dead organic materials like leaves and trees, but it should never be allowed to develop indoors. Molds grow by dispersing microscopic particles, which are invisible to the naked eyes and may be found in both outdoor and indoor environments. When mold particles settle on moist surfaces, they might start to develop in your home. No mold, no matter how diverse, will develop without water or moisture, regardless of its source.
Mold may have a variety of negative consequences on anyone’s health. Asthma, coughing, and wheezing are just some of the symptoms that mold can cause in certain people. These responses can be life-threatening for people with asthma or who are sensitive to mold. Mold can infect the lungs of those with impaired immune systems and those with chronic lung illness.
Fortunately, there are ways to keep mold from appearing in your home. What are they? – check below.
Measuring indoor humidity
Moisture is necessary for mold growth. In your house, moisture may come from a variety of places, including spills and leaks. Mold development is greatly aided by high levels of relative humidity and condensed water vapor in the air. A hygrometer is a must-have if you’ve found mold in your house or are concerned about it. These affordable gadgets can provide a real-time reading of the humidity levels in your home, which can indicate the presence of mold.
Ventilation
Ventilation is the second most critical aspect in halting mold growth. The amount of water vapor that can be held in the air is restricted. Water may instead condense as a result of temperature changes. Your windows and walls are likely to be saturated if this happens. Proper ventilation in your house can help avoid this. Your home will benefit greatly from having its windows open as this will allow fresh air to circulate. As a bonus, fresh air from the outside will help keep your home’s humidity level in check. During the winter, it’s possible that you won’t be able to open your windows. However, ceiling fans, standing fans, and your house’s heating and cooling system can keep the air circulating in your home.
Using household exhaust fans
Exhaust fans for the kitchen and the master bathroom may be found on nearly every house. Using them is said to assist you get rid of smoke and dampness. When you’re boiling water, use an exhaust fan in your kitchen. If you don’t, your house will fill up with more water vapor. This can adhere to the walls in the kitchen, which encourages mold growth and raises the humidity level in the home. Even while you’re in the tub or shower, you should follow the same procedure. Without the assistance of an exhaust fan, steam will accumulate on your countertop, walls, and ceiling. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to wipe out damp shower walls as well. Mold and scum may be kept at bay by using this method.
Monitor outdoor drainage
Mold doesn’t have a chance in your yard because of your landscaping. Keep an eye out for the route that water travels on your land. Assuming that your property is located on a little slope, water will flow away from it. However, if water accumulates around your property, it can cause major mold problems. When you have a leak in your foundation, water will seep into your home. Basements are renowned for harboring mold, and this is a major contributing factor. It’s a shame, but landscaping isn’t a cheap repair. If you suspect a drainage problem, get a contractor to do an inspection of your property.
Keep your rain gutters clean
Your gutters, like the landscaping, should be designed to divert water away from your property. However, if they are in a condition of disrepair, they are unable to perform their jobs. Over time, leaves and other debris accumulate in rain gutters. During a downpour, this might lead to flooding. Water will run down the side of your home instead of through the downspout. To put it in simple terms, water may find its way into your home. At the worst, water will accumulate in the attic or behind the walls, resulting in mold development. Keep your gutters clear to avoid this.
Don’t ignore wet spills
It may sound obvious, but the easiest method to avoid mold is to keep your home dry. If you spill water, clean it up as soon as possible. Wet objects should be treated the same way. Have you ever been caught in a storm? Wet garments or umbrellas should not be left bundled on the floor. This is especially critical if you have carpeting in your house. It’s far more difficult to keep carpets dry since they absorb moisture. Once mold has started to bloom, you may detect a nasty odor a few days later.
Check for leaks and repair them
Keeping an eye on your home’s plumbing is a wise idea. Even little leaks might quickly turn into a major mold problem. Check all open pipes in your home once or twice a month since leaks are one of the leading sources of mold in homes. Look inside the pipes that go beneath the sinks, behind the toilet, and through the basement. If you let the leak go unchecked, you might be dealing with a significant health issue by the time you notice it.
Despite your best efforts to keep your house free of mold, one thing must be remembered: mold cannot always be prevented. You can’t see or reach some areas of your house. There’s no way to know whether a little leak in your home’s wall is causing a mold infestation until it’s too late.
As far as mold protection strategies are concerned, there isn’t a single approach that works for everyone. You should always keep in mind these mold contamination prevention methods while figuring out what works best for your property.
