Mold is a necessary part of the ecosystem, but it’s a different story when it comes to your home! If you suspect you have mold in your home, you need to take action immediately. If left untreated, it will fester, leading to home and health issues.
Once removed, use these 5 tips to prevent it from coming back.
1. Clean Your Dryer Vent Duct
Did you know that most people don’t clean their ducts as often as they should? Neglecting them leads to several risks with mold being at the top of the list. Dirty dryer vent ducts are also fire hazards and should be cleaned twice a year.
Don’t wait until your dryer vent becomes clogged to take action. Instead, schedule a dryer vent cleaning. To learn more, click here.
2. Pay Attention To Humidity Levels
Keep an eye on your home’s humidity levels. Mold thrives in moisture, so keeping your home dry is one of the most important ways to prevent it from forming. If you don’t have a way to check humidity levels, install a hygrometer. This device will tell you the moisture levels within your home.
The ideal humidity level is below 60 percent. If it’s more, there are a few things you could do to lower the moisture inside your home:
- Open windows when bathing. This will help vent out moisture. If your bathroom doesn’t have a window, leave your door open and crack open the closest window if possible.
- Wipe down the walls after bathing. Moisture will sit on the walls after a shower and can lead to mold growth. Remove it by wiping down the walls using a towel or squeegee after you shower.
- Don’t hang clothes to dry inside. If you don’t have a dryer or prefer to line dry clothes, hang them up outside. Any water that evaporates from clothes will hang in the air and can lead to mold growth on surfaces. If you have no other option but to hang the clothing indoors, make sure you’re using a well-ventilated room.
3. Increase Ventilation and Air Circulation
There are a few ways to increase air circulation within your home. Air flowing means your home will be filled with fresh air and controlled humidity levels.
When the weather is nice outside, consider opening your windows. You should also use ceiling fans or standing fans to help circulate the air. And, when you cook or shower, crack open a window. This will increase ventilation in areas that get warmer than others.
4. Run a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers will help remove lingering moisture in the air. These devices help control humidity levels, leading to fresher spaces. It’s important to use a dehumidifier in damp areas like your bathroom.
Don’t want to spend money on a dehumidifier? There are other methods you can use that won’t cost as much.
5. Improve Insulation
Cold surfaces like pipes and walls are likely to have condensation form on them. You can help prevent this with a little extra insulation. Consider placing insulation sleeves on metal pipes or water tanks. This will prevent them from sweating so much, which is what causes mold spores to form.
Achim Hering, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Final Thoughts
It’s difficult to get rid of mold once it has grown inside air ducts, walls, or on other surfaces. It’s best to prevent its growth and the best way to do that is by cleaning your dryer vent, controlling moisture, increasing air circulation, running a dehumidifier, and improving insulation.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, mold-free home.