“Fungi are the interface organisms between life and death.”
Mold spores are the most common fungi found everywhere. They are invisible to the naked eye and can float through outdoor and indoor air. While outdoor mold plays a crucial role in maintaining the environment by breaking down dead organic matter, indoor mold can be very, very bad, especially if it grows undetected in your home.
Why it’s a problem?
Did you know that not only living mold spores but also dead ones are harmful? In fact, dead mold is more harmful than living mold spores.
Mold can grow anywhere on carpet, clothing, food, leaking or condensing pipes, ceilings, walls, or hidden places. Moreover, mold spores spread quickly and can’t be eradicated completely.
Not only is getting rid of mold difficult and expensive but mold can also produce allergens that can significantly compromise your health. That is why every homeowner must try to prevent mold growth before it becomes a problem or take immediate action if they identify the common signs of mold growth, such as:
- Musty odor
- Persistent cough, cold and fatigue
- Dark stains on walls or ceilings
- Peeling wallpaper
- Asthma or allergies that worsen indoors
So, how to prevent mold growth?
Mold requires organic matter, moisture, oxygen, and appropriate temperature for its growth. Since every home has wood, textile, paper, leather, or surfaces covered with organic matter like dirt, you can’t control all other factors required for mold growth except moisture.
So, moisture control is the key to preventing mold growth. If you are concerned about mold, you should know the tips to control indoor moisture in your home, further helping you prevent mold growth.
Here, we will discuss a few tips to prevent mold growth.
Repair leaky pipes and faucets
Did you know that mold can grow within 24-48 hours of water damage? One of the primary sources of moisture in a home is leaky pipes and faucets. Even the smallest drip can provide enough moisture for mold to thrive.
Regularly inspect your plumbing for leaks and repair them immediately. Pay special attention to areas under sinks, behind toilets, and around bathtubs and showers. By addressing leaks promptly, you can significantly reduce the risk of mold growth.
Clean out the gutter
Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and seep into your home’s foundation or walls. This excess moisture can lead to mold growth. Clean your gutters regularly, especially during the fall or after a heavy storm when leaves and dust are more likely to clog them. Ensuring that water flows freely through your gutters and away from your home can help keep your property dry and mold-free.
Use a dehumidifier
Humidity levels higher than 65% in your home can create an ideal environment for mold growth. Keeping the humidity level below 65% can significantly reduce the growth rate of mold spores.
At times, dehumidifiers can turn out to be a lifesaver. A dehumidifier can help maintain indoor humidity at safe levels, typically between 30-50%. You can use dehumidifiers in basements, bathrooms, and other areas prone to dampness.
Note: Regularly empty and clean the dehumidifier to ensure it functions properly.
Pay attention to ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial in preventing mold growth. You can take proper measures while designing your home or do some onsite additions after the construction has been completed.
Make sure your home is well-ventilated, especially in high-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. You can use exhaust fans to remove excess moisture from the air when cooking, showering, or using the dryer.
Note: Opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate can also help reduce indoor humidity levels.
Improve insulation
Condensation is one of the primary causes of mold growth in homes. Since mold requires warm and damp conditions for growth, areas with less airflow, like bathrooms and kitchens, are prone to condensation and mold. That is why enhance insulation in your home to prevent condensation, which can lead to mold growth.
This will also help maintain a consistent indoor temperature and reduce moisture buildup. Pay special attention to areas prone to condensation, such as windows, doors, and walls. Using double-glazed windows and weather stripping can also help reduce condensation.
Clean and dry fabrics regularly
As already mentioned, condensation in a home can lead to mold growth. Drying washing on a radiator indoors also leads to condensation. That is why mold growth is high, especially during the winter months. In fact, one load of washing can release 2 liters of moisture into the air.
So, clean and dry your fabrics regularly outside the home. If that isn’t possible, dry them in a room with proper ventilation. Moreover, avoid leaving wet towels or clothes lying around, and make sure to dry them thoroughly before storing them.
Regularly clean carpets
Carpets can trap moisture and provide a perfect breeding ground for mold. So, if you accidentally spill something on the carpet, make sure you dry your carpets within 24 to 48 hours. And if you’ve experienced a flood, remove the water-damaged carpets from your home.
You can consider using rugs that can be easily washed and dried, especially in areas prone to moisture. Also, make sure you get your carpets cleaned professionally at least once a year to eliminate the chances of mold growth in the carpet.
Invest in mold-killing products
Various mold-killing products, such as paints, sprays, and cleaning solutions, are available on the market to help prevent mold growth. When repainting or renovating your home, consider using mold-resistant materials.
In addition, regularly clean mold prone areas like bathrooms and kitchen with mold-killing solutions to prevent mold spores from taking hold. You can also consider adding vinegar, tea-tree oil, citrus seed extracts, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda to your cleaning solutions.
Don’t have too many indoor plants
While indoor plants can improve air quality and add beauty to your home, they can also contribute to higher humidity levels. The moist soil can be a perfect breeding ground for mold. Moreover, overwatering plants can create excess moisture in air, which can lead to mold growth.
So, it is recommended to keep the number of indoor plants to a minimum, and be careful not to overwater them. Ensure that plant pots have proper drainage to prevent water from accumulating.
Note: You can also add a bit of Taheebo tea to the water you give to your plants. This helps prevent mold growth in plant soil.
Opt for mold remediation to kill mold
If you already have mold in your home, it’s essential to take immediate action to remove it. Mold remediation professionals at Above & Beyond can assess the extent of the mold growth and use specialized techniques, such as dry ice blasting, to remove it safely.
Remediation may involve cleaning or removing affected materials, treating surfaces with mold-killing solutions, and addressing the source of moisture. Hiring a professional ensures that mold is thoroughly removed and reduces the risk of it returning.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know mold in your home can be a serious issue for your home and family members, it is recommended to get rid of it ASAP. If you are looking for the best mold remediation services, you can rely on Above & Beyond Mold Inspection & Removal.
Established in 1998, we have become a trusted provider of mold remediation services in New Jersey and New York. We have a team of skilled technicians who can handle molds of every type.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us to get rid of mold now!