Mold prevention should be a priority in every household. Mold can pose many health dangers if you or anyone in your home is exposed to it. There are several types of mold, including toxic molds, pathogenic molds, and allergenic molds. Mold can grow on heating ducts, on the basement ceiling, walls, and floor, on window sills, in pantries, and in many other places. The best key to getting rid of mold is to prevent it in the first place. Read on to find out things you can do to prevent mold growth in your home.
Tips to Prevent Mildew & Mold in Your Home
Mold and mildew prevention can be taken care of in several steps. These prevention tips can save you from allowing the growth to get out of control. Here are some things you can do:
- Repair leaks immediately. If you happen to notice anything leaking in your house, be sure to have it repaired immediately. If you wait a long time before having it repaired, you risk mold growth. Leaks can be in your window, plumbing, and many other locations.
- Inspect the base of your home. If you have any active leaks in the base of your home, this can cause mold and mildew to grow. Try to look for obvious cracks in the foundation of your home. These small cracks can allow water to get in and mold to grow if not taken care of promptly.
- Invest in a dehumidifier. One of the best ways to reduce the moisture in the air is by purchasing a dehumidifier. They can be purchased at your local hardware or retail stores. If you have a basement that holds a lot of moisture, a dehumidifier will be the perfect solution.
- Have adequate ventilation. Ventilation is key to preventing mildew and mold growth. Without adequate ventilation in the kitchens and bathrooms, mold and mildew can thrive. Be sure to have all of the air ducts in your home cleaned on a regular basis.
- Ensure windows are covered and secured. If your home is not insulated, mold has the tendency to grow due to the air being able to easily flow through the walls.
- Clean up. If you want to prevent the growth of mildew and mold, clean your house and do it often. Clean your bathrooms and kitchen using a disinfectant. As soon as you spill something, be sure to clean it up right away. Don’t allow moisture to set on your appliances.
- Clear the way for circulation. Make sure that you don’t have any furniture that is covering the walls. To keep air circulating in your home, be sure to let some air into your home by opening up the windows if it is not raining outside. If you have ceiling fans, be sure to turn them on often.
If you happen to discover mildew or mold growing in your home, reach out to a professional if you have concerns or are unsure of how to remove it on your own. This is especially true if mold growth has already gotten out of hand.