Mold Prevention Tips for Your Home

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

Just the thought of mold growing in your home can be very unsettling.

Mold is actually very beneficial in some areas of our lives, such as in cheese-making and in the production of medicines such as penicillin, and it is part of the natural processes of the earth during the decomposition of nature’s organic matter. Yet mold can be a very unhealthy organism to have around at times, such as when it grows undetected in your home. The spores spread easily and never completely eradicated, growing anywhere: on carpet, paper, inside walls, and on food.

Here are some mold prevention tips for your home:

• LOOK FOR LEAKS: Leaks and flooding aftermath need to be cleaned up and dried as soon as possible to prevent water damage and mold growth. Keep an eye open for stains on ceilings and walls - telltale signs of leaks that are happening behind the scenes. Keep rain gutters clean and in good repair, and make sure water is properly diverted from the foundations and low-lying areas of your house.
• KEEP THINGS DRY: Mold grows where it’s wet and will take over in 24-48 hours. Even leaving wet items lying around the house, such as beach towels and swimsuits, can create a problem. Hang things up to dry.
• MAINTAIN PROPER VENTILATION: Make sure your living areas are properly ventilated. Any appliances that produce moisture need to be vented to the outdoors. Using a dehumidifier is always a good idea; today’s energy-efficient homes can actually hold moisture indoors, so monitoring the humidity levels in your home will help you keep the atmosphere healthy.
• MOLD-RESISTANT PRODUCTS: Anytime you do repairs or renovations, use mold-resistant products such as drywall or sheetrock; many paints on the market today contain mold inhibitors, as well. These paints are especially good for use in bathrooms and laundry areas, for example, where humidity levels will probably be the highest in the home.
• HOUSEPLANTS: Mold is apt to grow on houseplants, so keep leaves clean and dry by wiping down leaves periodically.

In the event that a mold problem has developed in your home, you can contact us here at SERVPRO of Brunswick for help. Our phone number is (912) 264-6094. We are experienced in cleanup projects needed after fire or water damage.