50% of households experience mold infestation. With spring abreast and summer right around the corner, the rising humidity makes the perfect conditions for mold to proliferate.
One of the usual spots where they tend to develop is around windows. Mold is not only unsightly; it can also be detrimental to your health. Some of the worst mold, black mold, can creep up where you can’t see them; under the floorboards and in your cabinets.
Reduce the risk of infestation with proper prevention measures. Read on to discover tips to maintain a mold-free home.
1. Declutter Your Space
If your home is a mess, clean it now! Cluttered areas provide hiding spots for mold to thrive. From old newspapers to unused items, these trap moisture and create a home for mold.
Some symptoms of toxic mold exposure include headaches, vomiting, and respiratory issues. Aside from diseases, mold can cause property damage by breaking down building materials.
Declutter your home by throwing out things you do not plan to use. Push your furniture away from vents and grilles so air can properly circulate. Turn on the fan on humid days to keep the air moving.
2. Inspect Mold-Prone Areas
Unfortunately, there is no magic way to make a home mold-proof. However, you can turn it into a mold-resistant space.
Scan your home from top to bottom. Identify areas prone to mold growth. If you have an attic or basement, check them because they bear high humidity levels and poor ventilation.
Next, repair spaces prone to mold growth. Rip up the carpet in your basement or repair your damaged gutter. To avoid water intrusion, fix and block areas where it can enter.
Look into mold-resistant products if you plan on renovating.
3. Add Indoor Plants
Indoor plants can improve air quality and add beauty to your home. However, overwatering them can create a breeding ground for mold. If you choose to keep plants in your home, avoid swamping them with water.
It would also help to choose the right soil. Soil is not only a vital part of a plant’s survival. It can also be a factor for mold spores.
For mold prevention, add Taheebo tea to the water you use to plant greenery. Its oil can resist fungi, stopping mold growth in soil and leaves. If you need this remedy, you can find the product from natural food stores.
4. Dry Wet Areas
From spills on the carpet to leaks under the sink, wet areas provide ideal conditions for mold growth. They attract different types of mold, such as Penicillium, Cladosporium, and Alternaria. Remember, these fungi thrive in moist environments, including the bathroom and kitchen.
Enforce good cleaning habits, such as cleaning up spills right away and mopping the bathroom floor. You can also use fans and dehumidifiers to expedite the process.
5. Improve Ventilation
If you want to prevent mold altogether, you need to minimize moisture in your home. Unfortunately, doing this isn’t as easy as it sounds. Everyday activities like bathing, cooking, and doing the laundry can contribute to excess moisture.
To reduce indoor moisture levels, proper and improved ventilation is key. It increases airflow in your home and prevents moisture.
Install an exhaust fan or open your windows to allow fresh air to flow. Instead of the attic or crawl space, vent your moisture-producing appliances outside.
6. Check Indoor Humidity
High humidity levels in enclosed spaces foster mold growth. With this, it is crucial to maintain indoor humidity at an ideal level.
You can use a hygrometer to check indoor humidity from time to time. Get a dehumidifier if necessary to keep moisture levels in check. Dehumidifiers collect water, so ensure to empty it regularly.
7. Seal Windows
If you have leaking windows, you are allowing moisture to seep into your house. This creates conditions conducive to mold growth.
Aside from their surrounding area, mold grows on windows because of condensation buildup. It creates a moist environment that allows mold spores to germinate. Lack of ventilation and sunlight amplify mold growth.
Inspect your windows regularly and look for gaps, cracks, or damaged seals that allow moisture to seep into your home. If there is any damage, get it fixed right away.
8. Clean and Maintain Gutters
Although located outside, the condition of your gutter can affect the interior. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool around the structure, allowing moisture to seep into your home.
Clean your gutters often to prevent buildup and ensure proper drainage. If you suspect leakage, get them checked, cleaned, and repaired. Consider installing gutter guards to reduce maintenance and risk of clogging.
9. Invest in Mold-Resistant Products
Are you planning to renovate or remodel your home? If so, this is the perfect time to use and incorporate mold-resistant products in your home. These are materials designed to inhibit mold growth.
These products often contain additives that make the surface less welcoming to mold. They prevent the attachment and proliferation of the fungus by providing an extra layer of protection.
You can find mold-resistant drywall, paint, and insulation materials that impede mold growth. Although they can get expensive, buying and using them saves you money in the long run. It prevents severe damage caused by mold that can cost remediation.
10. Call a Professional
If you suspect mold growth in your home, contact a professional and ask for mold testing. They will collect samples from surfaces or air on your property. This allows them to identify the presence of mold and what type you may be dealing with.
This will also help your provider come up with the best solution to remedy your mold problem. Never attempt to handle the situation, as it can worsen the problem and put your health at risk.
How to Prevent Mold on Windows and Other Parts of Your Home?
Want to know how to prevent mold on windows? Though windows are prone to mold proliferation, they require the same treatment as the rest of your home. Keeping moisture levels to a minimum will prevent mold from growing in all parts of your home.
Elite Mold Services Inc. offers hassle-free solutions for mold. Our company has been helping home and business owners detect mold since 2006. Get in touch with our specialists today.