Mold Prevention
10 Ways you Can Prevent Mold- Keep humidity levels as low as possible (usually between 30 and 50%). If needed, use a dehumidifier or your air conditioner for better moisture control.
- Repair leaks in your roof, walls, plumbing or foundation as quickly as possible. Keep gutters free of leaves and debris that could block openings or impede the flow of rainwater.
- If your home or office floods (due to weather, a cracked pipe, broken washer hose, etc.), the affected area should be cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours. If carpet or rugs cannot be dried quickly, they should be replaced.
- When cooking or bathing, use exhaust fans (or open windows) to circulate air. Also, make sure clothes dryers and stoves vent to the outside.
- Open doors and windows periodically to allow fresh air to circulate through the house or office space.
- Use mildew remover sprays in bathrooms to kill mildew before it becomes a bigger problem.
- Check crawl spaces and basements regularly for signs of standing or excess water.
- Add mold inhibitors to paints and stains, particularly if you live in a humid region, and avoid using wallpaper in rooms with a steady moisture source (such as a bathroom).
- Have your HVAC system checked annually and have ducts cleaned to make sure there are no signs of hidden moisture or mold growth.
- Make sure the ground slopes away from your foundation, and that you replace dirt lost due to erosion.