How to Stop Mold and Mildew from Growing in Your House

How to Stop Mold and Mildew from Growing in Your House

Mold is everywhere. It’s all around us. Without mold we wouldn’t have cheese, penicillin, or mushrooms. To say that mold (or mold) is bad for us is not entirely accurate because there is some mold that is quite beneficial to our health. The mold that grows in our homes, however, is not good. This is the kind of growth that can lead to major health issues, not to mention damage to our homes. The best defence against mold build-up is prevention.

Follow these easy steps to keep mold and mildew out of your home.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Moisture that is left on its own is the key ingredient for mold. In our homes, different levels of moisture are inevitable. Even the air we breathe creates moisture. In order to mitigate all the humidity in the air, it’s crucial that your home’s ventilation system is doing its job. If your house smells musty or old, there’s a chance that moisture isn’t escaping from somewhere. Make sure that your roof is properly ventilated. Consider installing a dehumidifier in your basement.

Wipe Up Spills Immediately

Leaving puddles to sit on the carpet or floor is just asking for trouble. Water can leak from our pipes, into our basements, or through windows and gutters. If not treated immediately, mold can build up beneath our floor boards or carpets, making it even harder and costlier to remove. Prevent mold and mildew build-up by wiping and drying those areas immediately before spores start to grow.

Improve Circulation

Fresh air is a wonderful thing. Simply by opening your windows, you’re inviting a new wave of clean air in while allowing old, stale air to escape. Circulation, like ventilation, allows a constant flow of air throughout the house, which prevents moisture from building up. Plus, it will give your home a fresh smell.

Find and Fix Leaks

If you already suspect that mold is starting to build up in the house, find out where it’s coming from and fix it immediately. An inspection is a great way to start. Maybe there’s a leaky pipe. Maybe there’s a crack in the foundation. Or maybe your vents are clogged. Whatever the case, fixing pre-existing issues will ensure that there is no mold to begin with!

Get Rid of Shower and Bath Moisture

The bathroom is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Every single day it has to deal with an influx of moisture. When we step out of the shower, the water is left to sit there and slowly evaporate into a tiny vent. The longer the water sits there, the more likely mold will grow. To avoid mold and scummy mildew from building up in your bathroom, wipe down or squeegee the excess water after you’re done, stretch out your shower curtain and tap it a few times so the water droplets run into the tub. Always turn the fan on before you jump in the shower.

Preventing moisture build-up is not difficult but we often forget how important it is. If you have a mold problem in your home, contact Certified Asbestos Removal for a free consultation.