Four Best Practices For Preventing Mold Growth In Residential Properties
Posted on: 13 March 2019
Mold infestations in residential properties are potentially responsible for a variety of adverse health conditions among household residents and visitors. Infants, young children, senior citizens, and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk, although anyone can potentially suffer from allergies to household mold. Although symptoms include contact dermatitis and itchy, watery eyes, respiratory distress is the major factor in mold allergies. In severe cases, it can even lead to bleeding lungs and serious cases of asthma that result in hospitalization.
Household mold is usually the result of overly humid conditions in the home. It normally grows in places such as the backs of household appliances that use water, like washing machines, dishwashers, hot water heaters, and refrigerators. It's also found under sinks, in showers, around windowsills, in furnace and air conditioning vents, and in carpeting. Bathrooms, basements, and kitchens the most likely areas for mold infestations to take hold, although they can occur in any part of the home. Fortunately, the average homeowner can do a lot to keep mold infestations at bay.
Following are just four best practices for those wishing to prevent mold colonies from gaining a foothold in their indoor living environments.
Open Windows and Doors for Five Minutes Each Day
Unless the weather is absolutely nasty outside, homeowners should open windows and doors for about five minutes each day. The reason for doing this is that optimal air circulation discourages the development of household mold colonies, and although ventilation systems work great to help keep air moving inside, there's nothing like fresh air coming in from the outdoors to really wage war on mold. If nothing else, open kitchen and bathroom windows after showering or cooking something on the stove that produces a great deal of steam.
Keep Humidity Levels Low
Those who live in areas with high levels of atmospheric humidity should strongly consider using whole-house dehumidifier systems in order to keep humidity levels down. Many homeowners make the mistake of only using these in certain parts of the home, and while it makes sense to take extra precautions against high levels of humidity such as bathrooms and kitchens, it's also important to keep humidity levels low in all parts of the home.
Another great way to keep humidity levels low in home interiors is to use wood-burning fixtures such as fireplaces and wood stoves.
Let the Sun Shine In
Opening curtains and blinds during the day is advised because it helps solve two problems at once. Mold loves dark and dank environments, and allowing plenty of natural light into the home interior decreases the chances of mold colonies taking hold. Mold also isn't nearly as likely to grow when interior temperatures are more than 70 degrees, and sunlight shining through clean windows tends to increase household temperatures.
Clean Spills Immediately
Although it can be tempting for busy homeowners to put off cleaning up spilled liquids, it's best to take care of them immediately. Mold is an opportunistic organism that acts quickly when conditions are right, so you need to be faster than it is. Mold colonies are more likely to develop in carpeted areas than on wood or tile flooring. However, there are times when no matter how hard a homeowner tries, mold infestations nonetheless become a part of the picture despite their best efforts, and this is when the services of a qualified mold inspector become invaluable. A mold inspection professional can pinpoint exactly where the mold infestation is, advise homeowners on eradication strategies, and assist them in devising customized plans of action to help ensure the prevention of future mold issues.
If you're interesting in mold inspection franchising opportunities, get in touch with a local mold inspection company.
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