Mold Prevention Tips for Winter

The fall and winter months provide a window of opportunity for mold growth. Wet, humid weather makes the perfect living conditions for mold to grow and reproduce. To prevent mold from growing in your home this winter, there are many things you can do.

As a professional mold and asbestos removal company, we recommend the following tips:

• Ensure decent air circulation. During winter, it’s especially important to have a healthy airflow in your home. Mold thrives in wet, humid areas like bathrooms, around sinks, and in basements. Be sure to turn on a fan or crack a window when doing the dishes, taking a shower or bath, or cooking.
• Use a dehumidifier. To ensure your basement stays healthy and mold-free, use a dehumidifier to soak up any extra moisture in the air.
• Check your gutters and downpipes. Before it snows or becomes too icy, make sure you thoroughly clean your gutters and downpipes of any leaves or debris. The weeks prior to winter are often dark, rainy, and wet. To avoid a moldy or saturated foundation, ensure your downpipes are pointing away from your home.
• Clean all items thoroughly before storing. With each changing season means packing away old items. Whether it be in a garage, basement, or storage closet, be sure to thoroughly clean each item before putting it in storage.
• Clean often. Many people believe that winter is too cold for mold growth. This is a common misconception. To avoid mold growing in your home, clean your house frequently and check moist, humid areas on a regular basis for mold.
• Dry window surfaces regularly. A small amount of condensation around windows is normal. It is important to keep an eye on this to ensure there is no mold growth from excess moisture. Dry your windowsills often with a sponge or cloth to prevent mold growth and condensation from seeping into and ruining your wood.
• Fix leaking pipes. Old or disintegrating pipes can seep water into your home, causing mold growth in hard to reach places. To avoid this problem, call in a local plumber to fix or remove old pipes.
• Check your home’s insulation. A properly insulated home will prevent mold growth by avoiding condensation. You’ll save on heating and cooling bills, and prevent the growth of nasty mold inside of your walls.
• Call a professional. Sometimes, the mold issue is too big or dangerous to deal with on your own. Professional mold removal companies, like Certified Asbestos Removal, will remove your mold efficiently and safely.

If you think you might have a mold problem, or have any further questions about how to protect your home from mold this winter, contact us today.