Mold is a common indoor pollutant that can cause allergies and respiratory problems. Buildings can also be damaged by it. Mold cannot be completely eliminated from an indoor environment, but it is important to be aware of where it can grow and how to prevent it and where to get the best mold remediation services.
Conditions for Mold Growth
Mold grows in areas with high humidity, poor ventilation, and where moisture is present. In order to try and prevent mold, it is important to maintain a healthy humidity level (between 30 and 50 percent) within your home, clean up any standing water, address leaks, and improve circulation using fans, AC units, and opening windows.
Bathrooms
Since bathrooms are typically damp areas, mold growth is more likely to occur. Showers, shower curtains, areas under sinks, toilets, and bathtubs are particularly susceptible to mold growth. The best way to prevent mold growth in bathrooms is to make sure they are well-ventilated and that any leaks or plumbing problems are fixed as soon as possible. Using an exhaust fan in your bathroom can be very helpful in preventing mold growth. Maintaining a clean and dry bathroom is also important.
Basements
Mold can also grow in basements. They lack good ventilation and are usually damp. Maintaining a well-ventilated basement and fixing any leaks or plumbing issues is important to get mold removal expert to prevent mold growth. Using dehumidifiers to reduce humidity is also crucial to keeping the basement free from mold growth.
Attics
Because attics are usually hot and humid, mold can also grow there. By using fans and dehumidifiers to reduce humidity in the attic, you can prevent mold growth. Further, it is essential to check for leaks on the roof and to address any plumbing issues.
Kitchen
Another area where mold can easily and commonly grow is in kitchens. When you cook, boil water, run the dishwasher, and perform other activities that create steam, it can create a perfect environment for mold. Most kitchens have exhaust fans, and these should always be run while cooking to help remove moisture from the air and inhibit mold growth.
Appliances
Appliances like dishwashers, HVAC units, and washing machines create a lot of moisture that frequently goes unaddressed, making them breeding grounds for mold. There are many suggested ways to prevent this from happening, like wiping them down after you run a cycle and leaving them open to provide better circulation for wet areas. Running a regular cleaning cycle and changing or cleaning filters can also help prevent mold growth.
Upholstery & Porous Materials
Mold can also grow on furniture, clothing, wallpaper, and other porous materials. To prevent mold growth, these items should be kept dry and clean. In addition, these items should be inspected for signs of mold growth regularly.
How Mold Can Enter Your Home
As a final note, mold can be carried into a home by clothing, pets, and shoes. Keeping these items clean, dry, and away from damp areas is important. Regularly inspect these items for mold growth as well.
Indoor environments can suffer from mold growth, so it is crucial to understand where it grows and how it can be prevented. The risk of mold growth in the home can be reduced by keeping these areas dry, clean, and well-ventilated, and checking items regularly for signs of mold growth.
If you do find yourself dealing with mold, APR Restoration can help. Contact our team today to get started on the mold removal process.
