Mold and mildew can grow in any part of your home if the conditions are right. As a homeowner, it is important to understand what causes mold and mildew and how to prevent it from taking over your home. With some basic maintenance and moisture control, you can conquer mold and mildew in every room.
What Causes Mold and Mildew?
Mold and mildew are fungi that spread through tiny spores in the air. The spores will germinate and start growing when they land on a damp surface. The key factors that cause mold and mildew growth include:
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Moisture – Mold thrives with moisture. Leaks, flooding, high humidity, and damp surfaces like bathroom tiles provide ideal conditions.
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Heat – Warm and humid environments encourage mold growth. Rooms around heat sources like furnaces and pipes are common problem areas.
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Standing water – Any water that remains stagnant for over 48 hours may grow mold. Watch for wet spots under sinks, near windows and on floors.
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Poor ventilation – Stale, humid air allows mold to thrive. Bathrooms, basements and attics with poor air circulation tend to have the most mold issues.
How to Prevent Mold and Mildew
The most effective way to control mold is to eliminate excess moisture and dampness. Here are some tips to conquer mold in your home:
Control Humidity Levels
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Use exhaust fans while cooking and showering to vent out humidity.
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Open windows periodically for fresh air circulation.
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Use a dehumidifier during humid months. Keep humidity under 50%.
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Make sure attics and crawlspaces are properly ventilated.
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Use air conditioning during summer months.
Quickly Fix Leaks and Spills
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Repair leaking pipes, faucets and appliances immediately.
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Wipe up spills and overflows right away.
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Check under sinks for leaks. Use drip pans to catch water.
Improve Air Flow
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Keep furniture a few inches from walls to allow air to circulate.
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Vacuum and dust rooms regularly.
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Make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture or dust.
Thoroughly Dry Wet Areas
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Use bath mats to absorb moisture and allow tiles to dry after showering.
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Run bathroom fans for 30 minutes after baths and showers.
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Clean and dry window tracks to eliminate condensation.
How to Remove Existing Mold
If small areas of mold growth do occur, act quickly to clean and remove it. Here is the proper process:
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Protect yourself by wearing gloves, goggles and a mask. Mold spores can trigger allergies and even illness for some people.
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Clean the area using hot water, soap and borax solution. Scrub to remove all visible mold and mildew.
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Allow the area to dry completely. Use fans to speed up drying.
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Apply a 50/50 vinegar and water solution to kill any remaining spores. Let it sit for an hour before rinsing.
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Prevent re-growth by fixing underlying moisture issues. Keep the area well-ventilated.
When to Call a Professional
Extensive mold growth requires professional mold remediation. Call a mold specialist if you see:
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Large black mold patches bigger than 10 sq feet.
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Visible mold growth inside walls, HVAC systems or under materials.
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Mold recurring in the same area despite cleaning.
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Health issues like respiratory problems and allergies.
Mold inspection and testing can identify problematic areas. Professional mold removal uses containment and high-powered vacuums to safely eliminate mold.
Stay vigilant against moisture sources and regularly check your home. With proper moisture control, ventilation and quick action on leaks, you can conquer mold and mildew for good. Consistent maintenance keeps mold out and your family healthy.
