Mold in our home is a serious problem. It can cause a number of health issues and expensive damage to the infrastructure of your home. The best way to address mold is to have a strategy to prevent it from growing in the first place. Here are 7 tips to help keep mold out of your home.
1. Monitor Your Humidity
Mold thrives in damp, moist spaces. A high level of humidity inside your home can foster mold growth. To prevent mold, you will need to monitor your home’s humidity levels with a humidity monitor. Indoor humidity levels should fall between 30-50%. If your home’s humidity reaches higher levels, then you need to dehumidify your home.
2. Use A Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a great weapon against mold. It draws the moisture out of the air and keeps indoor humidity at safe levels. Dehumidifiers are very cost-effective and should be places in areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens where the humidity levels are most likely to be the highest.
3. Change Your Air Filter Regularly
Air filters capture mold spores. This helps reduce the spread of spores in your home, helping reduce your risk of mold. You should change your air filter at least every 90 days. If you have a home with pets or a family member with allergies, you should change the filter once a month.
4. Reduce Your Clutter
Clutter, especially in storage areas, creates ideal places for mold to grow unnoticed. Further, materials that contain a lot of cellulose like cardboard boxes and wooden shelving can provide food for mold. So try to use metal or plastic shelving and storage items in plastic containers. This will not only prevent the risk of mold but will protect your valuables in storage.
5. Use Your Exhaust Fans
When you shower or cook, turn on the exhaust fans. Exhaust fans support air circulation and reduce humidity. Keep them on until all steam and moisture has dissipated from the air. Both of which will help reduce your risk of mold.
6. Check For Leaks
Leaks are one of the biggest contributors to mold. Leaks from ceiling, pipes, and appliances can all lead to mold growth. Make sure to routinely check for any leaking. The best strategy to schedule routine inspections with a mold expert to look for leaks and any other contributing factors that can cause mold.
7. Clean Your Gutters Regularly
Cleaning your gutters will help prevent roof leaks. They also help direct water away from your home. By cleaning and maintaining your gutters, you will reduce your risk of developing mold in your home.
These strategies will help you keep your home free of mold. The team at Meridian Foundation Repair and Waterproofing. We don’t just help with mold remediation, we also help homeowners develop good maintenance strategies that can prevent mold. Give us a call anytime to learn more. We’ll be happy to help keep your home safe and mold-free.