How To Avoid Mold Build-Up In Your Home

Most homeowners do not give enough attention to molds as they usually stay hidden under the basement carpet, peek from behind the edge of the bathroom and kitchen wallpaper, or stay in places which are usually out of sight. What they don’t realize is that molds can affect not only the structure of their homes, but also their health.

As organisms that digest the organic world around them, molds have a ravenous appetite for the cellulose found in the paper backing of drywalls. They also thrive on the daily dust and dirt that accumulates in the moist areas of your home. When left unchecked, they can mar your walls, make your space smell bad, and eventually destroy parts of your home.

Aside from the structural damage it can cause, molds can also cause health problems to you and your family. Especially for sensitive people, inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions, from sneezing, skin rash, and runny nose to more severe reactions like shortness of breath. Moreover, clusters of mold can also lead to accidents as they tend to be slippery and dangerous when grown on damp bathroom floors.

To keep your family safe and your home away from these organisms, take a look at the following tips on how you can avoid mold build-up:

Maintain a Healthy Humidity Level and Improve Ventilation
Mold multiplies quickly and thrives in warm, moist environments, that’s why it is important to regulate the humidity level in your home. Especially in areas prone to excessive moisture, such as the kitchen and the bathroom, it is necessary to keep it no higher than 50% all day long.

To that end, make certain that these areas are well-ventilated. The more ventilated they are, the less humid they become. This can be accomplished by opening windows or using exhaust fans, but it is always preferable to install a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Today’s HVAC systems include dehumidifiers and thermostats that allow you to not only control the temperature in your home, but also the humidity levels. By cooling and dehumidifying your rooms, these systems remove heat and moisture from the air before it reaches the ducts, preventing mold growth even in the smallest spaces.

However, if your HVAC systems are not regularly maintained, you may not be able to remove moisture as effectively. To avoid this, you must clean and disinfect air ducts on a regular basis in order to optimize the functionality of your system.

Keep Wet Areas Dry
Cleaning and drying the surfaces in your home’s moist areas on a regular basis is a great way to keep it clean and mold-free. Mold cannot thrive in areas without moisture, that’s why it is necessary to dry wet areas immediately to prevent the growth of these organisms.

However, let’s be honest: you may not have all the time in the world to ensure that all areas of your home are dry. Plumbing issues, such as leaking pipes, can occur at any time and may not be detectable right away. To avoid this, it is important to maintain your gutter and downspout system, seal foundation leaks, and improve your drainage system.

Who Can Help You?
Ventilating homes, as well as inspecting and repairing leaks, may not be easy for everyone. For this, you can hire companies like Adams Care for regular property maintenance and cleaning to ensure that your home is properly equipped against mold growth. This allows you to have your HVAC system disinfected and sanitized, and use them to their full potential. You can also have your plumbing issues detected and repaired quickly, keeping your home dry and mold-free.