Ways to Discourage Mold Growth
Mold occurs naturally in the environment and helps to break down organic materials. However, mold is not a good thing when present in your house. Mold can cause discoloration, stains, and property damage. It can also lead to allergies and other health issues. Often, the only way to completely solve the problem is through extensive remediation. Let’s look at a few ways to prevent mold in the home and maintain safe and healthy living spaces.
Know What Causes Mold
To prevent mold, you need to understand why it forms in the first place. The most critical requirement for mold growth is moisture. Without a damp environment, mold cannot thrive and spread. The most significant problem areas for mold are the bathroom and kitchen because they typically have elevated moisture due to everyday use.
Act Fast to Prevent Mold Growth in the Home
One of the things that can kickstart mold growth is water damage from a burst pipe, overflowing gutters, or a flood. If you find water pooling in your home or a flooded basement, act immediately to help prevent mold growth. Work with a professional to remove the water, dehumidify the space, and replace drywall and other saturated materials.
Practice Good Habits
An easy way to help prevent mold is developing new habits and making sure your family follows suit. Here are a few easy ways to adjust your behaviors to reduce the chances of mold forming in the home.
- Don’t leave wet clothes sitting in the washing machine for an extended amount of time.
- Use a dehumidifier during periods of high humidity in the summer.
- When bathing and cooking, turn on bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans to remove moist air from the home.
- Clean the bathroom tiles regularly to prevent mold growth.
- Immediately repair roofing and plumbing leaks.
- Hang wet towels to dry instead of tossing them on the floor after a shower.
Work with a Professional to Prevent Mold in the Home
If you are concerned about mold, hire a professional to offer personalized advice about your specific situation. Sometimes mold problems happen due to things outside of the home, like the grading and drainage of your property. A trained home inspector may notice these issues and offer suggestions about repairs. Talk to your inspector about having a mold test performed and discuss options for remediation.
GoPro Home Inspections offers inspection services to customers in Central Florida, including mold testing. Contact us to request an appointment.