Mold spores are found everywhere and just need the right conditions to form a colony in your home. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent mold growth. Here are 5 tips to avoid mold in your home:
1. Control Humidity
Mold grows best in a humid environment, such as your bathroom or basement. To prevent growth, try to reduce the humidity in your home to below 60 percent. In bathrooms, make sure there is adequate ventilation so that humidity can adequately dissipate away from the room.
2. Repair Leaks
If you find a leak in your home, ensure that you repair it promptly. Leaks may quickly lead to mold growth in wood, drywall, grout, and any other porous surface. Fixing leaks is especially important if located in your walls, as this may quickly lead to uncontrolled mold growth.
3. Dehumidifier
Using a dehumidifier is a great idea for spaces such as your basement or laundry room. By removing the moisture in the air, the dehumidifier will prevent mold growth. Remember to maintain the unit and empty the water bin on a daily basis to keep it working smoothly.
4. Keep Surfaces Dry
For any wet objects such as shoes, towels, or coats, make sure to leave them out to dry. Similarly, if you plan on mopping your floors, wait until you can adequately ventilate your home so that any wet surface can dry quickly to avoid creating an area where mold can grow.
5. Maintain Your HVAC System
It is important to regularly check and maintain your HVAC system to make sure that there are no leaks or clogs that would allow moisture to enter your home.