Preventing Mold

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

In our last blog we talked about what mold needs to grow.  Knowing what mold needs to grow, we can talk about what to do to prevent it.  We can talk about lots of specifics, but the big overlying issue is to cut off mold’s water source. 

• Keep humidity levels below 60 percent. This can be accomplished by running air conditioning, running exhaust fans in humid places like bathrooms, and of course running a dehumidifier when necessary.  Good air flow is also important to control humidity and possible condensation on places like windows.  Be mindful of furniture placement near or over vents and registers, open drapes and blinds to avoid humidity or condensation being trapped behind them and reduce clutter that may hinder air flow.
• Watch for water intruding into places it should not be and address any leaks from plumbing, roofing, appliances, hot water heaters, or even a flooded basement from a failed sump pump immediately. Any time you have water somewhere it should not be, you are inviting mold.