You might think mold would never grow in your home or office but the reality is, many of us have ideal conditions for mold to grow in. Especially here in the Albany, New York area where conditions can be damp in winter and spring, before turning up the heat in summer!
Here are five easy tips to prevent mold in your home:
1. Keep Humidity Levels in Check
Mold thrives in humidity so it’s important to keep your humidity levels down.
Proper ventilation really helps, especially in kitchens, bathrooms and basements. You can even use plug-in dehumidifiers to really dry out the air!
Did you know running the air conditioner also helps dry the air? Remember: a closed up house in the warmer months without air conditioning and little air circulation creates just the kind of humid and warm conditions mold loves to grow in!
2. Get Fresh Air
Opening windows is a great way to increase the ventilation in your home. Fresh air also dries out damp, musty areas and reduce odors and stuffiness. Every day, open up a window or two for 5-15 minutes to provide some free, natural ventilation to your home.
3. Dry Wet Areas
Be sure to regularly clean –and dry– the surfaces in your home, especially the bathroom and other high moisture areas.
Mold has to have moisture to grow and thrive so always completely dry wet areas in your home, as soon as possible. A leaky pipe, a damp basement or even a spill on your floor should be dried immediately. Also make sure you don’t leave wet clothing or bath towels out for too long and fix any plumbing leaks or water issues to minimize the sources of moisture in your home.
4. Keep Indoor Plants
Introducing some houseplants into your home is a great way to improve your indoor air quality (IAQ). Live plants can help remove VOCs including formaldehyde, paint, and benzene (a byproduct of chemical based-cleaners) to make your home a healthier place overall.
5. Around the House Tips
Vacuum with a HEPA Filter – HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters help eliminate mold spores in carpets and on the floor.
- Avoid stacking organic material such as paper, cardboard, and fabrics in high-moisture areas of the home
- Throw out clothing and other items that have a moldy or musty smell and aren’t salvageable
- Locate leaks and fix them asap
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE MOLD:
If mold has been discovered in your residential or commercial property, reach out to us for a complimentary quote – you need a specialized contractor who has the experience and workforce to handle the job!
At C&C Unlimited, we pride ourselves on completing projects safely, on time, on budget and within scope.