Mold – 5 Ways To Prevent Growth

Mold is the furry growth of (bear with me) minute fungal hyphae that typically occurs in moist conditions.

Mold growth can cause allergies and asthma

Mold isn’t just a nuisance and unsightly; it can cause some serious health problems that include respiratory problems and allergic reactions. Kids, pregnant women and seniors are at even higher risk as their immune systems may not be strong enough to ward off the harmful effects.

Mold can be a very tricky household problem and can appear just about anywhere. Here are 5 ways to prevent mold growth in your home.

1- 48 hours results in mold growth

While this may sound simple enough, sometimes it’s not as simple as you might think. Any material that stays damp for over 48 hours (shower, carpet, etc.) can result in mold growth.

Make sure you keep all materials as dry as possible and give them the opportunity to dry by spreading them out, turning on fans, or opening windows.

2- Soaked items get the boot

If your home succumbed to flooding and your carpet is soaking wet, it would serve you best to simply dispose of it, make sure the area is dry and invest in a new carpet.

3- Eliminate sources of moisture

Short of not taking any more showers at home, here are some ways you can prevent mold growth in your home:

• - Make sure the bathroom vents are always on when showering and for a few minutes once you’re done. If you don’t have any, then crack open the windows.
• - Use air conditioners and de-humidifiers
• - Keep humidity levels between 30% and 50%
• - Increase ventilation in the home (open the windows from time to time)
• - Use exhaust fans when you cook, wash dishes and clean the home

4- Nip leaks in the bud

If there is a leak in the home via a washer, cracked roof or water tank, take care of the situation immediately. Otherwise, the problem may become a huge concern in the future.

5- Prevent condensation

When it’s warm inside and cold outside, condensation tends to occur, usually on the windows of the home. If the condensation is happening inside the home, it would serve you best to add some extra insulation to discourage the growth of mold.

How to clean mold growth

If found in small amounts, clean mold off hard surfaces with a bleach solution of:

• - 1 cup bleach
• - 1 gallon water

Keep in mind that you should never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners; this will create dangerous, toxic fumes.

Open the windows and doors to ensure that the home is getting fresh air while you are cleaning, and don’t forget to wear non-porous gloves and protect your eyes.