Mold loves moisture, thus controlling moisture in your home is the best way to stave it off. Left unchecked, mold can cause allergies and asthma attacks, so what should you do to prevent it from developing in the first place?
Steps to Prevent Mold in Your Home
- Keep surfaces dry: After a shower, dry off bathroom tiles and walls. Wash your shower curtains regularly since mold can grow in just 24 hours in wet conditions.
- Use exhaust fans: Turn on the exhaust fan in your bathroom after showering and in the kitchen while cooking.
- Maintain home temperature: In winter, keep your home warm to avoid condensation. If you see condensation on windows, wipe it dry. Reduce or stop using a humidifier if you notice condensation.
- Cover pots when cooking: This helps reduce moisture in the air.
- Seal gaps: Check and seal any gaps around windows, doors, and electrical outlets to prevent moisture from entering.
- Fix leaks immediately: Repair any leaky pipes or faucets as soon as possible.
- Use a dehumidifier: Use a dehumidifier and set it to turn on automatically when humidity levels exceed 60%.
- Ventilate your home: Open windows to circulate air when you not running your furnace or air conditioner.
- Laundry reminders: Set a reminder on your phone to avoid leaving wet clothes in the washing machine or dryer for too long.
- Use mold-resistant products when renovating: Choose mold-resistant products found in materials like drywall and insulation for renovations.
Preventing mold is much easier than removing it, so it’s worth taking these steps to keep your home mold-free!