5 Ways To Prevent Mold

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

To stop mold growth, pay special attention to your bathroom

Mold isn’t always bad. Did you know mold is essential in making brie and penicillin? Mold also is required for the decomposition of organic matter in nature. But mold in your house? That’s a whole different story, especially when you realize it often grows undetected in your home.

Mold spores love to spread and they do so easily. No matter how great you clean you cannot get rid of all mold. Adding to the problem is that mold can grow anywhere--carpet, clothing, food, paper, and in places you can't see like the backside of drywall, areas inside walls around leaking or condensing pipes, and above your home’s ceiling tiles.

So, what can you do to prevent mold from growing in your house? The Mother Nature Network has some good tips. Here are five actions that will help.

1.    Identify problem areas in your home and correct them.

You can't mold-proof your home, but you can make your house mold-resistant. Do a moisture audit of your home. Where do things get wet? Does your home’s basement flood? Is there a water stain on the ceiling from a persistent leak? Do you have frequent condensation on an upstairs window?

Preventing mold from growing or spreading might be as simple as ripping up carpet in a damp basement, installing mold-resistant products, or repairing damaged gutters. Or it may be a matter of major excavation and waterproofing. Whatever the case, address the problem now. It might cost some money up front, but it will surely be more costly down the road if mold continues to grow unchecked.

2. Dry wet areas immediately.

Mold can't grow without moisture. Wherever you see water or moisture take care of it right away. Clean up that seepage into the basement after a heavy rainfall. Stop the moisture of the leaky pipe. Dry up the spill on the carpet within 24 hours or less. After a flood you definitely need to be sure to thoroughly dry everything affected by the flood waters.

Everyday occurrences need attention, too. Don't leave wet items lying around the house. Dry the floor and walls after you take a shower. Remove wet clothes from the washing machine immediately and hang them to dry. Dry your clothes outside or in an area that features good air flow.

Questions about mold or mildew? We are experts. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860)461-7194

3. Clean with all the right tools.

No matter how successful you are at preventing mildew and mold from growing you will still have some. To clean mold in the fastest and most effective way make sure you have latex or rubber gloves, buckets and brushes, a vacuum with brush attachment, a mop and sponges, non-ammonia detergent, soap, or a commercial cleaner, disinfectant chlorine bleach, and furniture polish. You won’t need all of these tools all of the time but they will all come in handy sometime.

4. Give your bathroom special attention.

Few rooms in your home see as much moisture and humidity as your bathroom. Be sure your bathroom stays well-ventilated. Use an exhaust fan to help circulate the air and remove moisture more quickly. Spread your towels out after use so they dry more quickly. Don’t keep many containers in the shower (cleaning is then easier and the air circulates better). Wipe down the shower with a clean towel or squeegee after its last daily use. Choose shower curtains that dry and clean easily to help avoid soap residue, which fosters mold.

If mildew does accumulate on your shower curtain wash it in a solution of 1/2 cup liquid disinfectant to 1 gallon of hot water. Rinse with a mixture of one cup lemon juice and one cup salt to a gallon of hot water. Wash with detergent and bleach (using color-safe bleach on color fabrics). Rinse the shower curtain in clear water.

Questions about mold or mildew? We are experts. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860)461-7194

5. Prevent moisture with proper ventilation.

Sometimes daily activities encourage the growth of mold in your home. Be sure that the way you  cook dinner, take a shower, or do a load of laundry doesn't invite mold to grow. Provide proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and other high-moisture areas. Vent appliances that produce moisture (clothes dryers, stoves) to the outside (not the attic). Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers, especially if you live in a humid climate. Make sure your AC units and dehumidifiers don’t produce moisture themselves by checking them and cleaning them as directed by the manufacturer. If your home is energy-efficient it may hold in moisture. If so open a window when cooking or washing dishes or showering, or run an exhaust fan.

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