10 Mold Prevention Tips – How to Stop Mold from Growing in Your House
10. Eliminate Clutter
One sure fire way to avoid mold growth is to keep your home free of clutter. When you have too much building up in your home in the way of trash and just “stuff” it can trap moisture which can lead to mold growth. We suggest keeping a tidy and orderly home in order to avoid a moldy mess down the road.
9. Climate Control
Keeping your home at a temperature that is too warm can lead to very unpleasant things growing in your walls, specifically mold. You want to make sure you keep a climate controlled home between 68 and 74 degrees. Any warmer than that can create moisture due to humidity which then causes mold growth. Not a pleasant experience for sure.
8. Keep Doors and Windows Shut with AC On
Unless it’s cool outside, experts recommend you keep your doors and windows closed at all times when the A/C is on. If you struggle with excessive moisture in your home this is especially important so you don’t create the perfect environment for mold spores to breed and grow. Plus, why would you want to run up your electric bill by keeping the doors and windows open.
7. Make Sure AC is the Right Size
One reason that mold can begin to grow within the walls and in A/C vents is due to the incorrect size A/C being installed. If the A/C is not installed properly it can lead to the house not being properly cooled which then can cause heat and moisture build up, creating the perfect environment for mold to grow.
6. Monitor Humidity and Reduce Moisture
It’s important to monitor the humidity levels in your house and thankfully most new thermostat models have a humidity feature. High levels of humidity that go on for an extended period of time can definitely mean mold is lurking in places you can’t see. So always make sure your house is free from excess moisture.
5. Assess Your AC Unit Regularly
One of the easiest ways to prevent mold from growing in your home is by having your A/C unit checked on a regular basis. Routine maintenance is key in order to manage mold growth. There’s nothing worse than skipping a few checkups and realizing later you now how to pay hundreds of dollars in mold treatments.
4. Search for Standing Water
Water that is left standing for an extended period of time will definitely cause mold growth. If you have the unfortunate dilemma of an unexpected flood, you want to make sure to get the standing water removed as fast as you can. You also want to make sure the areas where the water sat for long periods of time is thoroughly dry.
3. Cover Your Crawl Space
A crawl space can be a breeding ground for mold and other types of fungus so it’s important that you keep it covered. We suggest having a professional come out and do the covering so you can ensure it’s sealed properly and moisture won’t become trapped and create a mold mess.
2. Utilize a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is best used when your house is excessively hot or you are recovering from a flood. You want to make sure to get as much moisture out of the air as possible so you can avoid any fungal growth. Mold loves wet and humid so you want to remove these two factors from the equation ASAP.
1. Consult with a Professional
If you find that the mold growth in your home is out of control, it’s best to consult with a professional. You don’t want to try and treat it if it has spread through too much of the house. And if you discover it’s black mold, we suggest relocating until the treatment is done as those types of mold spores can actually make you ill!
