5 Ways to Prevent Mold & Mildew in the Home
Have you ever noticed black spots on your walls, ceiling, or even appliances? Mold and mildew are both common problems in the home. They thrive in areas of moisture and high humidity. As well as being unsightly, mold and mildew can also have detrimental effects on your health. Mold can form in all seasons, so it’s important to know how to prevent it. Fortunately, by keeping on top of maintenance and with a couple of cleaning tricks, you can stop mold developing. Here are a few ways you can prevent mold or mildew in your home.
Check your plumbing
Mold can be quite sneaky and live inside the walls or crawlspace. This is often due to a plumbing problem. As you’re cleaning your home look for hidden leaks. Telltale signs are patches of water on the floor or wall, or near your water heater or pipework. If you’re unsure, have an HVAC expert come and inspect your plumbing. Other signs you may have a leak could be a drastic change in your water bill or strange sounds coming from the pipes.
Proper ventilation
Never forget the importance of proper ventilation. This is a sure-fire way to help prevent mold and mildew. Open the windows and let fresh air flow throughout your home. If your home is difficult to ventilate, consider upgrading your HVAC system or investing in a dehumidifier. It’s important to lower the levels of humidity otherwise you’re creating the perfect conditions for mold to grow.
Non-toxic cleaning products
Clean all areas of the home where mold might develop. These include in between the blinds, window frames, on the shower curtain, and even inside kitchen appliances. Always use the best natural cleaning products. Cleaning products with artificial ingredients and strong aromas could actually add to the problem. You’re essentially introducing more contaminants into your home. Choose products that are water-based, non-aerosol, and non-toxic. These are also much more environmentally-friendly.
A lick of paint
To prevent mold on the walls decorate your home with mold and mildew-resistant paint. This type of paint has been developed to protect your walls and it works as a primer. If your home is in need of freshening up then grab mold-resistant primer at your local hardware store before you decorate. This is particularly useful in wet areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. If possible, try to keep these rooms as dry as possible as well by ventilating and dry mopping, for example.
Professional inspection
If you’re at all concerned about a mold or mildew problem in your home, contact the professionals. Find local services that offer Water Damage Restoration, as they will have plenty of experience in dealing with various types of damage caused by moisture. A professional inspection will give you peace of mind and you will also get further advice on how to prevent mold. Don’t let a build-up of mold or mildew ruin your beautiful home. Always look out for the telltale signs and call for professional assistance if necessary.
