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We often consider our homes our refuge, places of unrivaled comfort that shelter us from the uncomfortable outdoor elements. However, unless we keep vigilant, our homes can be invaded by harmful molds that threaten the happiness and health of our families.
Mold can grow and thrive in many places in your home that you least expect it. Some molds are visible, and others are not, but all molds can cause your indoor air quality to be dangerous. Skin and eye irritations, respiratory issues, and allergies are just some of the problems caused by exposure to mold. It is crucial to your family’s health that you keep your home mold-free; here are six tips for preventing mold formation in your home.
1) Identify Mold Hotspots In Your Home
Mold can form anytime in your home, making it challenging to prevent. One of the best ways to prevent mold growth is to identify hotspots in your home where mold may hide out. Some of the areas most at risk for mold growth in a home are:
- Areas that collect moisture
- Behind your walls
- Under your sinks
- Bathroom corners
- Ceilings
- Basements
- Around poorly sealed windows and doors
- Taking a proactive approach to mold prevention by checking these hotspots regularly in your home is crucial to early identification and eradication.
2) Make Sure To Dry Wet Areas In Your Home
Even if signs of mold are not immediately apparent in your home, letting wet areas stay wet will quickly lead to mold growth. Mold thrives in moisture, so the more you can keep your house dry, the better. If your home is humid, you can use a dehumidifier to help keep the moisture level down and allow you to ventilate your indoor air.
3) Ventilation Is Critical To Fight Mold Growth
A well-ventilated home is less likely to have mold growing indoors. Ventilations promote fresh air flow, and mold thrives in stagnant areas of your home. Make sure your air vents are free from clutter and that you change your air filters regularly to ensure your home is well-ventilated.
4) Keep Your Gutters In Good Shape
Roof gutters guide water off of your roof and away from your home. If your home’s gutters are clogged or in disrepair, water will collect in them and accumulate on and around your home. These wet areas are breeding grounds for molds on your roof or even around the foundation of your house. Keep your gutters free from debris and make repairs as necessary to ensure water is directed off and away from your home.
5) Replace Or Clean Dirty And Stained Carpets
Carpets are common mold sources, especially when stained and dirty. To prevent your carpet from becoming a breeding ground for mold, you should keep it clean and dry or replace old and stained carpet areas.
6) Where Possible, Use Mold-Resistant Sealants
Mold proliferates in crevices and cracks around your windows, doors, piping, and other entry points to your house. To prevent mold from growing in these areas of your home, use mold-resistant sealant to help keep the moisture out. You can even use mold-resistant sealant in your shower and bathroom areas exposed to water regularly.
Conclusion
Mold is a natural phenomenon that can cause many health problems. With the tips above, you can prevent mold growth in your home.