Mold is a common issue in many homes, causing not only property damage but also posing health risks. When mold grows, it can get into walls, ceilings, and floors, making them weaker and costing a lot of money to fix. Mold can also make you sick, causing allergies, breathing problems, and other health issues, especially if you already have conditions like asthma.
It’s much easier to stop mold from growing in the first place than it is to get rid of it after it’s there. Preventing mold before it starts is the smarter and cheaper way to handle it. In this article, we will go over several tips to help prevent mold before you end up calling a Calgary mold removal service.
1 – Find The Mold Prone Areas
Mold loves damp and dark places, so it’s important to know where it might grow in your home. The usual suspects for mold growth are bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and anywhere that water collects or condensation forms. These areas are prone to high humidity, which mold thrives on.
You should watch for signs of mold, which include a musty smell or visible spots on walls and ceilings. Sometimes, mold hides behind wallpaper, tiles, or paneling, under carpets, or inside ductwork. Having a flashlight and a moisture meter can help you spot these hidden problem areas during regular checks.
Knowing where mold is likely to appear and recognizing the signs early will help you tackle moisture issues before they turn into mold problems.
2 – Daily Practices
Keeping your home dry is key to preventing mold. One of the best ways to manage this is by controlling the humidity inside. Try to keep humidity levels below 60% and ideally between 30% and 50%. You can monitor humidity with a simple device called a hygrometer.
Good ventilation will prevent humidity from building, especially in areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room, where moisture is often high. Use exhaust fans when cooking or showering, and make sure they vent to the outside, not into an attic or another enclosed space. Opening windows when weather permits also helps reduce indoor moisture.
Air conditioning units and dehumidifiers can also reduce humidity. Regularly clean and service your air conditioning system to ensure it’s functioning efficiently and not contributing to moisture buildup.
3 – Proper Cleaning
To keep mold at bay, you should regularly clean areas that get damp, like bathrooms and kitchens. You can use a mix of one part bleach to ten parts water, which is a very effective and cheap solution for cleaning mold.
For materials that soak up water, like wood and fabric, it’s better to avoid wet cleaning methods. Instead, use a vacuum or dry-cleaning method to keep them dry. If these items do get wet, dry them quickly to stop mold from growing.
Also, take care of the outside of your home to keep water out. Clean your gutters and downspouts often so water can flow away from your house.
