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Mold is a common occurrence in most homes where the conditions boost its growth. Exposure to mold is also a common issue more than people often think. You may be having mold symptoms and you do not realize it until it is the last option after you experience persistent health issues. Besides, mold exposure can be inside the home or outside it. However, people’s sensitivity to it is different depending on many factors, such as age, health issues like asthma and allergies, among others. Therefore, you need to know how to prevent it in your home with some of the ways discussed below.
1. Use fan during and after showers
Do you find a foggy bathroom mirror a challenge every time you are done showering? This should be the least of your problems if you do not run an exhaust fan during and after your shower. Running an exhaust fan is important to reduce the moisture levels in the bathroom. This is important as the moisture creates an environment for mold to grow and spread quickly. Therefore, as you aim to prevent it in your home, engage the use of a fan during and after showers. Not only to minimize the moisture level in the bathroom but the possibility of growing mold. Also, remember it is a challenge to clean some areas it can grow, especially in every nook and cranny, hence it is best to prevent it.
2. Increase the flow of air within the home
Another way to prevent it in the home is by increasing the flow of air within your home. Especially, through opening windows for good ventilation, opening closet doors and keeping dark and confined spaces well ventilated. All this will help to prevent mold, as the dampness that can occur in any room will improve by the stable availability of fresh air coming into the home. Other things that help with the increase of flow of air is moving furniture from walls and moving carpets as you clean. As you practice this, opt for opening windows overusing air-conditioning and fans where possible.
3. Dry wet materials quickly
Mold thrives quickly with the right conditions available. For instance, in the presence of wet materials that are not in a position to dry with ease. Such as wet clothes put in a basement to dry. In 48 hours or less with the conditions in a basement, you may find it growing either on your clothes or on the surrounding areas. Also, poor habits like leaving your wet towel lying around inside the house, without proper air drying can create a chance for it to grow. Plus, as you clean under your carpets and rugs, it is important that you dry the surface completely as little wetness beneath will create an environment for its growth.
4. Deal with your basement
One of the areas in the house that mold grows with ease due to the conditions present is the basement. Although no one likes going down to the musty basement. It is a responsible thing to do going down to deal with the issue and prevent condensation. If the mold issue becomes too much in your basement, it will easily spread to other areas of your home. Besides, you may end up calling the mold professional services, such as ones at awamoldinspections.com, which can easily manage the situation before it gets out of hand. Some of the ways to go about it are by installing a foundation drain, running a dehumidifier, and getting more air circulation. All these ways will help prevent moisture from remaining trapped under your home. Additionally, you can install thermal pane windows or insulating walls to help keep walls warm and limit condensation.
5. Fix any leaks and seepage
Immediately your old pipes show signs of being dilapidated, it is best to replace them. These pipes cause water and moisture from a leaky pipe to travel far to where they are not visible sometimes. Also, as much as you try your level best to keep your home clean. There are areas that you cannot get to or you neglect, and in such places is where mold loves to thrive. Hence, having routine plumbing maintenance to fix leaks and any sort of seepages from the kitchen, ceilings for bathrooms, and other places is vital to prevent moisture build-up and also prevent the growth of mold.
6. Dry surfaces
Most people are used to mold growing on ceilings, attics, and around air conditioning units. However, there are other surfaces like floors or sinks that are favorite places for it to grow. Especially, when most of the time they are wet. Therefore, cleaning, disinfecting, and drying these surfaces will help prevent mold growth. Since they are non-porous surfaces, they are ideal for disinfectants and other cleaners. So if you prefer using a vapor steam cleaner on such surfaces, ensure that no moisture remains once you are done cleaning.
7. Store items clean and dry
Whether it is your camping gear, clothing, or other items that you occasionally use. Storing them dry and clean will help prevent the growth of mold. For this reason, thoroughly dry occasionally used items before putting them into storage. Either you put them outside or in places where the air is circulating, ensure they are clean and dry. Imagine, finding out you put away your tent wet after your last camping trip. Then, as you arrive at your recent camping site you find out mold covers your tent fully.
To sum up, it is harmful to live in a home with high mold levels when you can easily prevent them. Therefore, you must have the right knowledge on how to prevent it and possible ways and places they occur. The beautiful plants you have could also harbor the unwanted mold. Either on the leaves or the soil. Try the above tips to prevent mold in your home, and you can consult professionals to learn more ways to prevent the after-effects that come with the presence of mold in a home.
