7 Effective Ways To Prevent Mold In Your Home

Mold can be useful for decomposing organic matter but could be harmful in your home. Research also shows mold produces irritants and allergens that can compromise health and well-being. Dealing with this issue can be tough and usually costly, as rot can grow undetected in your home. Therefore, learning how to prevent them before they become problematic is crucial. Since moisture is the main cause of mold, here are a few ways to reduce dampness in your home and prevent it from thriving. 

Identify problem areas 

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Although it is almost impossible to mold-proof your house, you can make it resistant. Thoroughly assess your home to discover the problem areas. Doing this may reveal whether your basement floods or you have condensation issues on your windows upstairs. If you’ve also noticed ceiling stains from persistent leaks, identifying the problem areas allows you to find the right strategy to tackle them. It can be as straightforward as removing the carpet in your soggy basement, using mold-resistant products, or undertaking a roof inspection and replacement. It is best to address the issue now or risk paying more in the future as mold spreads unchecked. You can hire professionals for this to ensure a thorough job is done.

Quickly dry wet spaces

Mold can only grow where there is moisture. Therefore, keeping your wet areas as dry as possible is best. Ensure to dry out any spills on your carpet, seepage in your basement after a downpour, and build-up in your leaky pipes. Bring all the water-drenched bedding, carpets, and furniture outside if your home floods after heavy rain. Until they are completely dry, you cannot return them inside. Dry your floors and walls after bathing, and avoid leaving your wet clothes in the washing machine, as mold can spread more quicker than you think. Therefore it’s best to dry them outside or in areas with proper air circulation. 

Declutter the space

Almost every home has clutter. It could be in your attic or basement, in the open, or concealed behind your wardrobe doors. If more belongings are stacked in your wardrobes and cupboards, there will be less space for air circulation. A stuffy atmosphere is a thriving ground for mold growth, making it vital to declutter regularly. It is best to spend a day or weekend decluttering the house and getting rid of all unwanted items, from clothing to unread newspapers and sentimental items you find no use for. 

Improve your home’s ventilation

Mold is only one of the many problems caused by the lack of proper ventilation. Keeping the space ventilated as much as possible is vital. Your bathrooms and kitchen are most exposed to mold problems, so open your windows briefly when cooking or bathing. That allows the moist air to evaporate outside, preventing a build-up inside. You can also retrofit your windows with air vents if you are worried about the warm air escaping outside. Improving your home’s ventilation will improve indoor air quality, benefiting your well-being.

Introduce mold-resistant products

Using decay-resistant products when building or renovating your home can help prevent mold problems. Unlike traditional drywall made from gypsum, plaster, and similar materials,  mold-resistant drywalls are paperless as the gypsum core is enclosed in fiberglass, creating a robust, water-resistant surface. You can introduce rot-resistant drywalls in common places of wetness, like the laundry room, kitchen, basement, and bathroom. Traditional drywall is more prone to decay than paperless, making it hard to eliminate mold. Additionally, removal and replacement can be costly. There is also a mold-resistant gypsum panel you can use. The drywall core is designed to stop moisture absorption and subsequently prevent dampness. 

Avoid drying clothes indoors

Airing your clothing indoors is more common during the colder months. However, even drying a cloth or two can increase the moisture in your room and lead to mold growth. For instance, when you leave your clothes on the radiator or clothing horse, the moisture will dispense from them and settle on your walls and ceiling when there isn't proper ventilation. Investing in a dryer or drying clothing in a room with good ventilation is practical. 

Use a dehumidifier

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You can use a dehumidifier to significantly decrease humidity levels in your home, making the space less welcoming for mildew, dust mites, and rot. You will be surprised how much moisture the dehumidifier accumulates from the air when you run it for the first time. Some dehumidifiers can collect 20 liters after a few hours. That is usually the case when you use it for the first time in the home. However, you will see the moisture level drop after subsequent uses. 

The above tips can help prevent mold issues and ensure quality indoor air, making your home cleaner and more comfortable.