Mold serves an important function in the environment. It breaks down organic materials and enriches the soil. However, in the home, mold can cause unsightly stains, structural damage, and respiratory problems. Fortunately, preventing mold isn’t impossible. Here’s how to prevent mold growth in the home.
Improve Air Flow in Your Home
Without proper airflow, excess moisture may condense on walls, windows, and other surfaces. If you tend to have high humidity in your home, open the windows to let fresh air in. In cases where the weather doesn’t allow it, use fans to keep the air circulating.
Keep doors between rooms open and move furniture away from walls. This will allow better airflow throughout your house, which helps to regulate the humidity in your home. Less humidity is key to preventing mold growth.
Install exhaust fans in rooms where moisture is a problem, like a kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Turn on the fans to draw out excess moisture whenever you cook, bathe or wash clothes.
Prevent Mold Growth by Fixing Leaks
Many household moisture problems result from roof leaks or leaky pipes. Regularly inspect your home for any leaks and check for signs of water damage. Repair any issues promptly to prevent mold growth.
Hang Damp Clothes Outdoors
After doing a load of laundry, don’t leave wet clothes sitting in the washing machine, as this may encourage mold growth. It’s best to remove the clothes from the machine and take them straight to the dryer or clothesline immediately once the washing cycle is complete.
For those who don’t have a dryer or prefer to line dry clothes to save energy, hang the clothes outside. Hanging clothes to dry indoors contributes to humidity in the air and an environment for mold to grow on the fabrics.
During winter, when you have to hang the clothes to dry inside, choose a well-ventilated room and direct the moist air outside with exhaust fans.
Let the Sun In to Help Prevent Mold Growth
Allowing natural light into your house goes a long way when it comes to preventing mold from growing. Open the curtains during the day to let the sunshine into your home and keep the mold at bay. The UV light from the sun kills most mold and spores and helps to remove moisture from the house.
Clean or Repair Roof Gutters
Clogged or damaged gutters may prevent water from properly draining away from your home. Overflowing gutters allow water to seep beneath the roofing materials and into your home, providing a perfect environment for mold growth. Clean your gutters and check them for damage regularly.
Preventing mold from growing in your home is essential to safeguarding your health and property. Use these tips to make your living spaces healthier for you and your family.
Ocean State Home Inspections offers home inspections in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to schedule our services.