Tips for Preventing Mold Growth in Your Home

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Residential mold damage

Mold Prevention Tips

A musty odor in your home in Edmond, OK, is a sign that you may have a mold problem. The likely culprit is residual water damage that has not been thoroughly mitigated, but there are other factors that may contribute to the issue. Here are some tips for preventing mold from growing.

Repair Leaks Quickly
Fungus needs water to thrive, so basic mold prevention always starts with regularly inspecting the areas of your home where leaks tend to occur:

• Sink pipes
  
• Supply lines
  
• Appliances
  
• Toilets
  
• Water heaters
  
  

Not all leaks are obvious with a quick glance at a room. An unexplained hike in your water usage can also indicate that there is a leak somewhere. Rely on water damage specialists to find the problem and fix it before mold starts to grow.

Control Humidity Levels
Sometimes the moisture feeding the mold growth in your home comes from the air itself. Moisture can dampen surfaces, creating the perfect environment for mold to grow. Strive for a 45-50% humidity level in your home at all times. Use a dehumidifier or increase the airflow to lower the amount of moisture in the air.

Increase Ventilation in Basement and Bathrooms
Two areas of your home that are particularly prone to fungus growth are your basement and bathrooms. In addition to making sure surfaces are dry before you leave the room, you can lower your risk of a mold problem in these spaces by increasing the ventilation. Install fans and run them frequently throughout the day to circulate air and discourage mold growth.
Preventing mold in your home takes a bit of extra time and attention, but avoiding the hassle and expense of additional cleanup is well worth it. Mitigating water damage in a timely manner, maintaining low humidity levels and ensuring proper ventilation in typically closed-off areas can help to keep mold from growing.