Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: How to Control Humidity
• Part 2 of 3: How to Ensure No Dampness
• Part 3 of 3: How to keep it clean and cool

Mold is a type of fungus that occurs naturally in various places, but in the home it can pose a health hazard and adversely affect air quality. Therefore, preventing mold in the home is important for the health and safety of the family and guests. The good news is that mold prevention is easy enough if you control the amount of moisture and dampness in your home.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: How to Control Humidity

1. 1 Monitor the humidity level. Mold needs moisture, so keeping your home damp will help prevent mold. Install a hygrometer in your home that will measure the humidity level in the room.
   • To prevent mold growth, the humidity in your home should be kept below 60 percent.
2. 2 Open windows when you shower. A large amount of moisture can accumulate in the shower or bathroom, so after taking a bath or shower, open the windows to ventilate the area.
   • If the bathroom does not have a window, then leave the door open and open a window in the nearest room.
3. 3 Wipe down the walls after showering. Moisture that remains on the walls or in the bathtub can cause mold. The best preventative measure is to wipe down the walls with a sponge, towel, or scraper after every shower.
   • It is important for the whole family to follow this rule.
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   "If you have mold problems in your shower, even if you clean it regularly, it probably needs to be sealed again."

   
   

   

   Ashley matuska

   Cleaning professional Ashley Matuska is the owner and founder of Dashing Maids, a cleaning agency in Denver, Colorado with a focus on sustainability. Has been working in the cleaning industry for over five years.

   Ashley matuska
   Cleaning professional

4. 4 Do not leave wet items. After washing, do not leave items in the washing machine, as mold will start to form on the fabric. After completing the wash, clean items should be dried or hung on a clothesline.
   • If you forget to wash, try turning on the timer or setting a reminder.
   • Also, never leave damp items or towels on the floor or in the laundry basket. Hang things up to dry out.
5. 5 Do not dry your laundry indoors. If you do not have a tumble dryer or use a clothesline to save energy, always dry outside. Any moisture that evaporates from the fabric will remain in the air, which can cause mold to grow on walls, floors, or other surfaces.
   • If in winter you have to dry things in the house, then it is important to choose a room with good ventilation so that moist air does not linger in the room.
6. 6 Wipe up any spilled liquid immediately. Mold develops on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours. Prevent Problem - Collect any standing water immediately after spills, leaks, or floods. It is important to keep an eye on such places and things:
   • carpets and floors;
   • furniture;
   • clothes;
   • linens;
   • load-bearing walls and basement floors.
7. 7 Use exhaust fans and vents. Air vents should be in different areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. In the kitchen and bathroom, turn on the fans every time you cook or shower. In a laundry room, a dryer must be able to vent air outside.
   • It is also necessary to ensure adequate ventilation of the subfloor and basement. If there is insufficient air circulation, install vents or fans.
8. 8 Empty the condensate drain trays at regular intervals. Some types of equipment (refrigerators, air conditioners, air dryers) are equipped with pallets that trap water and moisture. Remember to empty and clean the trays regularly to prevent mold growth.
   • It will also avoid spills, leaks and overflows, which can build up moisture under the refrigerator, around window sills, and in the basement.
9. 9 Improve ventilation and air circulation. The movement and flow of fresh air in the room significantly affects the humidity level in the house. In good weather, open windows for stale air and use ceiling fans year-round.
   • If you do not have ceiling fans, you can use a portable fan to improve air circulation.
10. 10 Use dehumidifiers. A dehumidifier removes all moisture from the air that cannot be prevented, and also allows you to control the humidity level in your home. This is especially important in damp areas such as a basement or a technical subfloor.
    • In a large house, you should install at least two dehumidifiers in different parts of the dwelling.
11. 11 Replace basement and bathroom carpets with rugs. It is not necessary to completely cover the floors in rooms with high humidity (damp basements and basements in areas where floods are possible, as well as bathrooms). Remove carpets and place rugs where necessary.
    • The rugs can be moved to another place, cleaned and dried.
12. 12 Improve thermal insulation. Condensation occurs on cold surfaces such as walls, pipes and tanks. The problem can be solved with additional thermal insulation. Equip metal pipes with insulating braids, insulate the cistern and all water tanks with insulating covers, and insulate the basement, exterior walls, attic floors, ceilings and windows.
    • If condensation appears on any of these surfaces, immediately collect moisture and watch the surfaces.
13. 13 Repair leaks. Leaks are a major cause of dampness in a home, which includes pipes, taps, valves, roofs and appliances. Inspect your entire home regularly for leaks or signs of moisture, and fix problems in a timely manner. Remember to look for leaks in the following places:
    • under the sinks;
    • near refrigerators, water chillers and ice makers;
    • under floors, especially in the basement;
    • next to air conditioners;
    • next to the toilet, bath and shower.

Part 2 of 3: How to Ensure No Dampness

1. 1 Provide water drainage from your home. Water can enter the house from outside. Solve problems to keep moisture out of your home. Repair roof leaks and other leaks, and drain water away from the building.
   • Additional rainwater gutters can be installed.
   • In case of groundwater problems, install a vapor barrier in the basement and a drain pump to collect the water.
2. 2 Clean and repair gutters. They are an important part of the system, which ensures the drainage of water, therefore, gutters must always be clean and intact. Clean every fall and spring to remove dirt, debris, leaves, and other blockages.
   • Repair all gutter leaks in a timely manner. Replace damaged sections as necessary.
3. 3 Install plastic sheets in the tech underground. In such places, mold can develop as moisture from the soil contributes to constant dampness. Try fan-drying the area and covering the ground with plastic sheets.
   • Such a solution does not necessarily completely protect the house from moisture, but it will prevent mold from growing underground.

Part 3 of 3: How to keep it clean and cool

1. 1 Vacuum and dust the area regularly. This cleaning helps to get rid of the mold spores that enter the house so that mold cannot take root and grow. For best results, try to vacuum and dust the entire house weekly.
   • It is advisable to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, but this is not necessary.
2. 2 Use filters. In addition to vacuuming, use air purifiers and filters to remove mold spores from the air in your home. Filters will be especially effective in damp areas like a bathroom, basement, attic, near front doors and windows.
   • One of the most effective options are HEPA filters, which are capable of removing up to 99 percent of contaminants.
3. 3 Let the sunshine in your rooms. Mold loves the dark, so natural light is a good preventative measure. Open all curtains and curtains during the day to fill the house with light. The warmth of the sun will also dry out the moisture in your home.
   • In summer, use lightweight window shades that let in light. This is not always convenient in winter, as thin curtains also easily let the cold through.
4. 4 Watch your temperature. Besides darkness, mold loves warmth. Turn on the air conditioner during summer to keep your home cool and dry.
   • Most molds do not grow below 21 ° C. Maintaining this temperature in your home is expensive and ineffective, but use an air conditioner to dry and cool the air.
   • In winter, try to keep the temperature as low as possible.