The winter season is the time of the year that everyone enjoys as it brings cold temperatures, giving off sweater weather vibes. However, this period is the perfect time for molds to invade every space at your house. Molds can grow in indoor and outdoor environments; they spread by floating through the air and landing on damp surfaces. We want you to enjoy the winter season, and one way to achieve this is to prevent mold growth during this time. So, here’s a list of preventive measures to properly assess the issue.
Preventive Measures For Mold Growth
1. Keeping Humidity Levels Low
Mold frequently thrives on surfaces where air and moisture accumulate; places like the bathroom with hot and cold showers or kitchen. This happens when the air inside the house is dry, and suddenly moisture starts to increase, maybe from the boiling water or hot shower. One way to prevent molds from growing is to control the humidity levels at home, maintaining them at 60%. Achieve this and prepare your home for fall and winter by carrying out the following:
- Never hesitate to invest in a dehumidifier.
- During bath time, take cold showers if possible.
- Try to move in-house plants in a well-ventilated area.
- Do not leave wet clothes and towels stocked on the laundry basket.
- Avoid laying fabric floor mats and rugs in areas commonly exposed to moisture.
2. Dry Cleaning Mold-Prone Areas
A good rule of thumb is keeping wet areas of the house dry and clean. This strategy can help you prevent mold buildup in these spaces. Look after the house portions where leaks and floods usually happen, particularly the windows, sills, kitchen corners, shower, and bathroom. Below are some cleaning tips to avoid mold growth in these places.
- Wash and dry thoroughly the fabrics that can absorb moisture, such as mats, rugs, and towels.
- Consider using products prepared to kill molds when cleaning for mold-prone areas.
- Properly maintain outside areas of the house vulnerable to leaks, including gutters, window sills, sheds, and drains.
If by any chance, damages from leaks due to mold accumulation prevails, visit this page to have an idea about the particular action to take.
3. Improvement Of House Ventilation
Proper ventilation in the areas where moisture typically accumulates is crucial to prevent mold growth. Due to the cold weather, the temperature begins to drop drastically. Thus, air and heat inside the house would not hold the moisture it brings. So, the excess humidity goes directly into the walls, floors, furniture, and other house portions. The following are techniques that can improve ventilation around the house.
- Let the air inside your home out by opening the doors and windows daily to allow a good airflow from one room to another.
- Install and use exhaust fans on the house areas where moisture usually gathers, such as the kitchen and bathroom.
4. Schedule For A Mold Inspection
Setting a schedule for inspection is ideal for preventing mold from growing rather than a complete property restoration. This is because it is less expensive; cutting a large part of the budget destined for this purpose. Identifying the cause and origin of the mold growth is the best starting point to properly assess the problem. The next thing would be the removal of mold. This can protect your home and family from the possible damages and health complications it can cause. This may lead to possible deaths; we do not want to end up using biohazard and crime scene cleaners instead of products made to eliminate mold growth. But, you cannot perform this on your own; it would be much better to ask for help and assistance from professionals. Do this by following the steps below:
- Go online and search for various water and fire restoration companies and directly visit their website.
- Look for their contact information and get in touch with them by calling or sending them a message; choose what is more convenient for you.
- Schedule for a mold inspection and cleanup or, if necessary, a total property restoration.