Mold is a fungus that multiplies rapidly in moisture. It can grow outdoors as well as indoors. Wooden walls, concrete walls, fabric, food, paper, carpet, pipes, and roofs are some places where mold can grow. Mold not only damages the property where it grows but also poses serious health issues to the people exposed to it. Whenever mold grows somewhere, it exhales spores into the air called mycotoxins. These mycotoxins are toxic compounds that can trigger allergies or even asthma, especially in children. Kids can also develop symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, bumps on the skin, and a cough as a result of mycotoxicosis (mold allergy). Therefore, it is crucial to prevent mold growth in homes with kids, especially with kids suffering from an autoimmune disease.
Let's look at five must-do things to prevent mold in your home;
Keep Your Home Dry
Mold loves moisture. Wherever there is moisture, there will be mold. So, if you don’t want mold in your house, it's essential you keep it super dry. Make sure you fix any leaks promptly, whether it’s a broken pipe, a leaking roof, or a dripping faucet. You can also install exhaust fans in places that are more susceptible to moisture like the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. However, make sure that the exhaust fans vent the air outside of the house and not into any attic or crawl space.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
Again, mold thrives on moisture. So, for mold to not grow in your home it's important you maintain proper ventilation. Ventilation helps to circulate fresh, clean air and reduce the humidity inside the house. Opening windows and doors especially after cooking or taking a shower is important as it reduces the humidity levels of that place. You can also invest in a dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels in your home (30-50%). It’s also essential to regularly clean and inspect your HVAC system’s air duct to ensure proper airflow and prevent mold growth within your ventilation system.
Regular Cleaning
Cleaning is one of the most simple yet effective things you can do to keep mold at bay. Thoroughly cleaning the places that are prone to moisture like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements is essential. Pay special attention to bathroom tiles, bathroom and kitchen sinks, and bathroom fittings. Prolonged leaks can lead to rapid mold growth. There are many mold-killing products available in the market that can be used on window sills and basements to address the issue promptly. Washing and drying curtains, especially shower curtains is also important as wet fabrics are susceptible to mold growth.
Preventing mold growth not only prevents property damage but also prevents health issues. If you have done all the above things and still find yourself surrounded by mold, it's best to immediately contact mold removal professionals. One such mold removal professional is Ridaway.
If you clean up mold without stopping the water intrusion that’s causing it to grow, the mold will almost certainly come back. That’s why RidAway takes extra precautions to ensure mold gets out and stays out. We’ll find out how moisture is getting into your home so that we can take the necessary steps to stop it, keeping your home dry and preventing future mold and mildew growth.
If moisture intrusion has caused water damage in addition to mold growth, you can count on us for expert water restoration services as well, allowing you to keep your home clean, safe, and healthy with help from one expert team. The best part is that Ridaway is EPA-approved, uses industry-grade technology, and is fully licensed and insured.
