Mold growth is not only expensive to remove, it can have a negative impact on the health of your family. To support your effort to prevent mold growth in your home or commercial property, we have compiled the following list of tips to help you keep your family safe from mold.
- If your home experiences a flood or a water leak, don’t wait to start the clean-up process. Since most wet materials that are fully dried within two days do not develop mold, be sure to remove any wet furniture or carpeting that can’t be dried within this time.
- Refrain from installing carpet in rooms that are more likely to experience flooding or leaking, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- When doing laundry, take your wet clothes out of the washer swiftly.
- Refrain from leaving wet towels or clothes out.
- Never try to clean mold with bleach, as it does not have the capacity to deter mold development completely. Bleach also has a high water content, which often accelerates mold growth.
- Keep the humidity levels in your home low with dehumidifiers and air conditioners.
- Keep your basement and attic adequately ventilated and insulated.
- Take time to dry your shower and bathtub after use.
- Always turn the fan on when you shower.
- Ensure none of your furniture covers any vents in your home.
- Put on an exhaust fan when using kitchen appliances or running your dishwasher.
- Clean and vacuum to keep your home free of debris, dirt, and dust.
- Clean and maintain your home’s gutter system on a regular basis.
- If you detect a plumbing leak at any point, repair the leak or replace the pipes or faucets promptly to prevent a leak that results in significant water damage.
- Purchase and install a vapor barrier to reduce moisture and humidity.
- Don’t attempt to paint over moldy surfaces.
- If you notice mold in your home or commercial property, don’t ignore the issue. Mold development will become drastically worse over time, so be sure to handle the problem as quickly as you can to prevent additional damage.
