Mold Issues? Solve with Ventilation, Air Filtration & These Other Tips
Mold is everywhere, even in your home. What makes it dangerous is that it can easily harm your household, from degrading walls and fixtures to impairing indoor air quality. Using the tips below, you can avoid the high costs of mold remediation, even in the Treasure Coast’s high humidity.
Prevention
The key to preventing problems is moisture control, as the root cause of mold is usually inadequate ventilation and an unusually high buildup of moisture. Although mold grows year-round, it only flourishes with the right room temperature and other conditions. So, be sure to:
Inspect your home for problem areas, including condensation, water stains, leaks and flooding.
Maintain ventilation in high-moisture areas such as the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room, venting moisture-creating appliances outside.
Repair plumbing leaks or problems in walls ASAP.
Use A/C units and dehumidifiers, ensuring they are not producing moisture themselves.
Maintain air flow and circulation by opening doors, closets and occasionally windows, when the outside weather permits.
Prevent mold growth in your houseplants.
Install mold-resistant products, including drywall and paint.
Monitor indoor humidity with a humidistat, keeping it between 30 and 60 percent.
Ensure the ground is sufficiently sloped away from the house to prevent water from collecting in the foundation, and regularly clean or repair roof gutters to prevent leaks.
Prevention is the first step, but cleaning wet areas promptly and thoroughly is central to preventing larger problems in your home.
Cleaning
Since mold spreads so quickly, it’s important to clean problem areas as soon as you see or smell them. Do not caulk or paint over them, as it will not resolve the problem. Here are some important tips.
- Clean up wet areas within 24 to 48 hours.
- Use detergent and water to clean moldy surfaces.
- Limit exposure with gloves, goggles, long sleeves, and a respirator and/or proper ventilation.
- Dry damp materials, discarding porous or moldy ones.
For challenging problems or any larger than 10 square feet, consult a professional. For more expert advice about mold prevention, remediation and other issues related to home comfort, reach out to NisAir Air Conditioning and Heating today.
