How to Prevent Moisture and Solve Mold Problems at Home?

Where Can Molds Grow?

More often, molds grow because of too much moisture. It only means that they can be everywhere – your flooring, walls, bathrooms, kitchen, furniture, and even on your appliances. At first, mold spores are usually in tiny quantities. Then, they will start growing once they land on any wet surface in your house. Soon as mold spores have the right number and form, they will eventually travel to the atmosphere.

As a result, there’s a high possibility that you may inhale a high number of spores that may cause other health issues. These mold spores may irritate your eyes, throat, skin, and lungs. Therefore, cleaning every part of your home is essential, as well as drying all wet surfaces and purifying the air. You can also call the nearest mold removal and remediation near you to avoid the recurrence of these harmful bacterias.

How to Prevent Moisture Build Up at Home?

If you want to reduce or kill molds, you have to lower the moisture levels in your home first. However, it may sound impossible because any home produces loads of moisture. When you cook, wash, bathe, exercise, or even breathe – there’s moisture. The problem is too much moisture in your home will cause mold problems that can impact your health negatively. 

How much is too much moisture? A study showed that any place with humidity level over 80%, there’s a 50% chance that the mold would develop. Experts suggest the ideal humidity level at home should be at least 40% to around 60% level. Anything lower or higher than this range for a long time will result in adverse effects. The best way to monitor the humidity in the air is through a hydrometer.

Who or What is at Risks with Moisture and Mold Problems?

Those people who are sensitive to mold may have allergic reactions once they inhale or touch mold spores. It may cause some allergic reactions like coughing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Individuals who have severe conditions and allergies may have a more intense reaction or, worst, difficulty in breathing. Babies, infants, kids, older, and those individuals who have low immune systems are at risk with mold problems. 

Did you know that high moisture is also the primary electronics killer? Excess mist may harm or damage your electric possessions. It only means that most electronics are also susceptible to damage by condensation even if they are water-resistant. There’s a possibility that the moisture can destroy the internal parts of an electric gadget, which may lead to short circuits. 

Therefore, always look out for high humidity, and any temperature changes drastically. These elements can ruin your electric appliances. The best way to fix it is to let your devices adjust to the climate before turning them on. You can also put your electronic valuable in a plastic box with a small dehumidifying bag to protect them.

What are the Best Strategies in Controlling Moisture?

The problem with moisture is that it is everywhere. Therefore, your best shield against prolonged moisture is to let it dry and clean the area. When possible, let those areas dry, especially those that are mostly wet like the bathroom and the kitchen sink. As people say, prevention is the best cure. You have to kill the root cause first and the culprit before you can fix the problem.

What are the Best Strategies in Controlling Mold?

You can’t remove mold from existing at your home. However, you can decrease their presence and stop spreading from the air. Fortunately, there are some strategies that you can do to control mold growth. Here are some a few couples of advice so that you can reduce moisture levels in some parts of your house where mold formation is frequent.

• Remove Mold Spores at the Kitchen.

1. 1. Exhaust fans are effective in moving the moisture out of the house, especially if you are washing, cleaning, or even cooking.
   2. Look out for any leaks under the sinks, fridge ice makers, and other water resources.
   3. You have to empty and wash the refrigerator drip pans regularly.
   4. Put proper ventilation like big fans and exhaust fans by the window on some crawl spaces.
   5. Even cellar flooring may also have some leaks. Call a mold removal expert for inspection and testing of your tiles. Make sure you get them repaired when required.
   6. Check the kitchen’s gutters and other outdoor landscaping. Make sure that they are functioning and delivering the water out of your home, not towards it.
   7. Never put your wall and insulation board, not unless the cellar is already dry.

• Remove Mold Spores at the Laundry Area.

1. 1. The port of your laundry should be clear of any obstacles such as tint and other openings that may cause leaking of air.
   2. Avoid leaving damp clothing in your laundry basket, drier, or inside the washing machine itself. 
   3. Dry the surroundings of the area sooner than later by allowing air and natural light to go inside.

• Remove Mold Spores at the Bathroom.

1. 1. The use of area rugs helps in absorbing moisture. However, make sure to take and clean them regularly when it gets too wet.
   2. Putting mini-plants inside the bathroom helps in absorbing moisture.
   3. Check the basins and bathtubs for any leaks. Then, repair it whenever needed.
   4. Never leave damp towels on the ground. Let them dry naturally with UV rays.

• Remove Mold Spores on Walls.

1. 1. Molds on the wall usually appear in white, black, or bluish patches.
   2. Scrub the wall as hard as you can. You can use bleach and a heavy-duty sponge or scrub brush. Then, let the solution soak for about five minutes.
   3. Use a big fan on the wall to dry it thoroughly.

• Remove Mold Spores in Wood. 

1. 1. Vacuum the affected area to eliminate the loose spores.
   2. You can use warm water and soap to wipe the affected area. Using a dash of vinegar can also soften the mold.
   3. Start sanding the cleaned area to remove any residual mold.

• Remove Mold Spores Around Your Home.

1. 1.  Limit the indoor humidity to at least 60% using a hydrometer. It is an affordable tool that is widely available in various hardware stores.
   2. Clean the drip pans regularly, and make sure that the drainage lines don’t have any obstacles.
   3. Keep a standard room temperature. During cold weather, keep your home warm – and vise Versa. 

Final Words

You can’t eliminate moisture and molds. So, your best solution is to keep them at a minimal level. Cleanliness and getting organized is the best way to prevent and solve problems that comes with too much moisture and mold spores. Follow the tips mentioned in this article to decrease your risk of having throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, coughing, skin irritation, worst, other respiratory infections. Well, if you can’t do it, you can always ask help from an expert in mold testing and removal.

Contact Zgreen Restoration Today

If you suspect mold growth in your home, don’t wait to contact us. We proudly service homes in Santa clara, San mateo and santa cruz counties. Our experts are available 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Rain or shine, we’ll remove any mold from your home and keep your home safe and dry.

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