As the best mold removal contractors Ohio has to offer, we here at Safeair Contractors know how crucial it is to prevent mold before it begins. That’s why today we want to share some of our top mold prevention tips to help you to keep your home mold free.
10 Mold Prevention Tips from the Best Mold Removal Contractors Ohio Has to Offer
1. Reduce the Amount of Moisture in Your Home
An overly humid environment can contribute to mold getting a stronghold and taking over your home. One way to reduce the amount of moisture in your home is to invest in a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier works by taking in moist air and passing it over cooling coils that cause the moisture to condense on those coils and collect within the machine.
2. Tackle Leaks NOW!
As soon as you notice any sign of a leak, take care of the problem IMMEDIATELY! The longer that you allow a leak to remain, the longer you permit mold spores the chance to take hold. Mold problems grow when they have access to a water source so cutting off that water source prohibits growth (although if mold already exists it’s still important to completely remove that mold in addition to the moisture source.)
If you can’t find a leak but know that additional moisture is coming from somewhere don’t just ignore the problem or convince yourself that it’s nothing to worry about. Often the source of leaks can be obscured and hard for the average homeowner to find…if this is the case call in a plumber!
3. Monitor Door and Window Seals
The seals on doors and windows will periodically begin to give way to wear and tear particularly if they are in areas that are used frequently. Make a habit of checking the seals around your windows and doors once every season to monitor for any cracks or gaps that can allow rainwater or moisture to slip inside.
If you find that any of the seals around your windows or doors show signs of being compromised replace them as soon as possible or call a local handyman to do the job for you.
4. Be Vigilant If You Have a Basement
The nature of basements makes them extremely susceptible to mold because they are dark and humid. These three things make the optimal environment for mold growth so you must be proactive about keeping your basement free from mold. Keep a dehumidifier running regularly (don’t forget to empty it!), monitor any plumbing and doors/windows for leaks and address them immediately, and at least once every week or so do a walkthrough of your basement to check for any signs of mold.
5. Dry Before You Store
Whether we’re talking about your rainboots, your umbrella, or your bedding that didn’t dry fully before you took it out of the dryer, go back and fully dry EVERYTHING before you store it. Storing anything that is wet or damp only opens the door to mold growth which can take hold and spread to other items in close proximity.
6. Dry Tubs, Showers, and Sinks!
Shower curtains are one of the biggest culprits for mold and mildew growth but this along with other bathroom molds can be prevented. After morning showers and grooming take a dry towel and wipe out any remaining moisture from tubs, showers, and sinks before leaving the house. Pull across shower curtains and straighten out any damp towels to prevent any remaining moisture from leading to mold.
7. Invest in a Moisture Absorbing Doormat or Require Shoe Removal Before Anyone Enters Your Home
Wet shoes can bring plenty of moisture into the home and that moisture can take hold on your entryway carpet or rug. Invest in a moisture absorbing doormat that can dry shoes when visitors enter your home or better still require everyone to take off their shoes before they come inside! This will not only keep your carpets and rugs free from moisture and mold, but it will also prevent visitors from tracking in goodness knows what from outside onto your carpets!
8. Make Sure Your Pipes Are Properly Insulated
Pipes throughout your home should be insulated for economical reasons, but that insulation also helps to keep condensation at bay which can lead to the development of mold. If your pipes are not insulated already, they should be! Call in a professional to do the job for you. If your pipes are already insulated, check them once a season for any signs of being compromised. If you notice any cuts, splits, or damage to your pipe insulation call in a professional to replace the damaged insulation ASAP.
9. Use an Air Purifier
Mold spores can enter your home through a number of methods and some degree of mold spores in the air is expected, but it’s important to regulate the number of mold spores in your home. Try investing in a Tru HEPA filter to keep the air in your home cleaned of excessive mold spores, just be sure to regularly change out or clean the filters of your air filter to keep them working effectively.
10. Regularly Change Your HVAC Filters!
Those large filters that sit inside the big vents in your home must be changed regularly because they play a large part in keeping the air in your home free from contaminants. Different filters require changing at different intervals and are capable of capturing different sized particles. The better filters are capable of filtering out even the very smallest particles from the air in your home but they can be quite costly. That said, these filters dramatically improve the quality of the air in your home and are worth the investment.
Do You Already Have Mold Problems?
If you already have problems with mold in your home and you live in the Ohio or Pennsylvania areas, SafeAir can help! Just pick up the phone and give us a call at 440-639-1191 and we’ll get started on removing your problem mold right away!
