Mold is a fungus that grows in houses due to the presence of moisture. Wooden furniture, clothes, pets, and leaky roofs are prone to the growth of mold. Appropriate actions should be taken beforehand to prevent it; otherwise, people living in the affected premises may suffer from respiratory problems and allergies. Many homeowners may avoid the issue until it has become critical, but dealing with it during early stages is always a better option. There are steps you can take to prevent mold from becoming an ongoing problem.

Here are some things you can do to help prevent the growth of mold in your home:

Repair Damaged Areas Quickly:

Repairing water-damaged areas in the house can result in long-term benefits. A thorough inspection of the whole house can be performed to determine potentially damaged areas that may be the cause of mold growth. Walls with water stains, broken roof gutters, leaking faucets or water lines, and flooded basement should be repaired properly so that they do not attract mold in the future. If the problem areas are not addressed, the growth of mold will continue spreading with time.

Dry Wet Items:

Dampness and humidity are the major reasons behind mold growth and should be taken care of. Wet clothes lying around, wet carpets, moist bed sheets and wooden furniture should be dried as soon as possible in case of a spill or flooding. Leaving such wet items around is prudent to avoid problems. If the items cannot be dried completely then they should be replaced. Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for a long time is another potential problem. The clothes should be dried without any delay by hanging them on a clothesline or by using a clothes drier.

Open A Window while taking Baths:

A large amount of moisture is built up in bathrooms while taking baths or showers. It is usually deposited on walls or floor tiles and leads to mold growth if left in place. Open a window, turn on the exhaust fan or install a vent to clear moisture. Wiping off water from the walls, floor, bathtub, and faucets is also useful.

Increase  Airflow:

Improving airflow will decrease the humidity level inside your house. Moisture and humidity are the root causes for mold and enhancing air flow paths is the key to preventing its growth. Make sure your air conditioning system is operating properly, and if necessary have a dehumidifier installed. Opening doors, windows, and vent during cooking, washing or other chores efficiently helps moisture to escape and can prevent mold growth.

Check Plants Regularly:

The soil present in potted plants is often the source of mold. You should avoid overwatering your plants. Make sure that there is sufficient ventilation, and maintain proper humidity levels inside your home to prevent mold growth.

The growth of mold in homes is an issue that can be solved. If you suspect that you have a mold issue, you should seek the help of a professional. For help with air mold testing supplies and analysis, please get in touch with us today. SanAir Technologies Laboratory conducts sampling and testing of all hazardous materials present in your environment. Call us at 804-897-1177 or visit www.sanair.com for further details.