Mold is an essential part of the ecosystem. There is no escaping it. Outdoor mold is not harmful, and it will not affect your quality of life. However, indoor mold can increase the risk of several health problems. All types of mold are allergenic but not all of them are toxic. Thus, you should still try to prevent mold growth in your home if you want to stay away from allergies and other health problems that this microorganism can cause.
You must understand what causes mold growth before you take any precautionary measures to prevent mold growth in your home.
What Causes Mold Growth?
The simple answer is water. There are actually five factors that are required to support mold growth, but water is the one major factor that can aggravate the growth of mold in an indoor environment. The other four factors include temperature, PH, nutrients, and light. Water or moisture can result from excessive humidity in a house. Spaces with poor ventilation such as bathrooms, cabinets, attics, and basements can act as a breeding ground for mold due to the presence of moisture.
Now that you now know how mold grows, let’s talk about the more important issue – how do you prevent it?
How to Prevent Mold Growth?
Dry All Wet Areas Quickly
As mentioned above, mold needs moisture to grow. This is why it is important that you do not allow water to accumulate. Always dry wet areas quickly. Water accumulating from a leaky pipe, a spill on a carpet, or water in the basement after a rainfall should be dried within a period of 24 hours. If water damages your furniture, bedding, or carpets to such an extent that they cannot be dried properly, remove them.
Properly Ventilate Your Home to Prevent Moisture
Keep all areas of your home including bathrooms, laundry room, kitchen, and basement properly ventilated. This will reduce the risk of mold growth. Consider using dehumidifiers and air conditioners for ventilation.
Fix Problems in Your House
Check your house for problem areas that can contribute to mold growth. Do you notice any leaks? Is your basement’s sump pump working? Are there any water stains on the ceiling? Is water dripping from your air conditioner? All these issues can lead to mold growth which is why it is important to address them promptly. Addressing these problems now may save you from the frustration of dealing with mold later.
Check the Humidity Level
The ideal humidity level in your home should be between 40% and 50%. When the humidity level is high, it can lead to excess moisture. This can create the ideal conditions for mold spores to develop. Check the humidity level in your house yourself or ask a professional to do it for you and keep it within the ideal range.
If mold has already developed inside your home, it is important that you act quickly, and have it removed by professionals. Call the mold removal experts at STOP Restoration (S.T.O.P.). Our trained team will take care of the mold problem in your home so that you can breathe fresh and clean air again.
For professional mold inspection, testing or restoration services in the Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia area counties, contact S.T.O.P. at 844-777-STOP (7867).
