Are you concerned about mold? You ended up in the right place. We will explore the top 10 mold prevention tips you can follow right now and ensure healthy living for you and your loved ones!
So, let’s dive in to know how to prevent mold in shower, bathroom, your attics and more!
Get Rid of Clutter
The first step to mold prevention is to carefully inspect your belongings and reduce the amount of clutter in your home. Clutter blocks proper air circulation and stops your HVAC system from effectively circulating air.
Condensation is caused by furniture and drapes that block supply grilles. All of this moisture in your house generates microclimates that encourage and fuel mold development.
So get rid of the extra furniture you don’t need anymore. Try to keep air moving and keep your furniture away from vents and grilles. Especially be careful on humid days; make sure your house is getting enough airflow. That is how to prevent bathroom mold growth, even on rainy, humid days.
Control Indoor Temperature
As you probably noticed, mold problems usually arise during hot, humid summers when you’re eager to use the air conditioner. But, if you set the thermostat too high, your air conditioner will not efficiently dehumidify the air, and if you put it too low, you will generate chilly surfaces where water vapor can condense.
According to the Department of Energy, you should set the thermostat to 78 degrees F to avoid moisture concerns and also save on your electricity bills.
Keep The Windows Shut When AC Is On
When your HVAC system is on, opening windows and doors allows air conditioning to leave, wasting money and inviting humid air into your cooled house. This causes condensation, which is the main reason for mold growth.
So, keeping the windows and doors shut is a suitable mold prevention method for running the air conditioner.
When you’re on vacation or at work, keep your house at approximately 80 degrees. We frequently raise the thermostat to 85 degrees Fahrenheit or switch off the air conditioning when we leave the house. This elevates the warmth and humidity, allowing mold to thrive.
Select the Correct AC Unit Size
Check that your air conditioner is the correct size for your home. If it is too small, the unit has to run continuously, raising expenses but not the temperature; if it is too large, the unit will repeatedly start and stop, wasting energy as well.
Install a perfectly sized HVAC unit is essential for not only mold prevention but also to ensure a comfortable and healthy living environment for your family.
An inappropriate AC size cannot circulate air properly in your home, which can lead to mold growth very quickly.
Monitor Humidity
According to the EPA, indoor humidity should be kept between 30 and 50% for proper mold prevention. A moisture meter, easily found at your local hardware shop, will help you to measure humidity.
These start at less than $20, and if you want more advanced devices that track multiple rooms concurrently and remotely can cost up to $200.
You’ll also be able to spot high humidity levels in your house by just paying attention to possible issue areas. Condensation on windows, pipes, and walls are telltale symptoms of high humidity.
If you see condensation, dry the surface quickly and address the source of moisture (for example, if water develops on the inside of neighboring windows, switch off a humidifier).
In highly humid conditions, such as at the height of summer, you may see values closer to 55%. However, once you reach 60% relative humidity, it’s time to find out the source of the extra moisture. But if you notice humidity levels over 70%, you should consult the best mold remediation service in Florida for professional mold prevention.
Examine Your Air Conditioner
As we said, If you see a high humidity measurement of 60% or more, check if your air conditioner is working properly. You should notice things like-
- Is the temperature set correctly?
- Is it turned on and off at regular intervals?
- When it reaches the stated temperature, does it blow chilly air?
- Are the coils free of debris?
Check the condensate drain pipe (the narrow white line protruding out the side) for consistent leaking. If it isn’t, the tube is likely clogged, and water is gathering within the unit – or on your floor.
If you notice a problem, contact your HVAC technician, or you can try an easy DIY mold prevention method. Pour a cup of bleach mixed with water down the drain once a year to avoid obstruction and mold growth.
Search for Standing Water
If the air conditioner isn’t the problem, look for standing water or persistent wetness, increasing indoor humidity and creating an ideal mold setting. This will literally put water into your mold prevention efforts.
Examine the area surrounding hot water tanks, sump pumps, freezers, refrigerators, basement doors, and windows for puddles or moisture. Examine crawl areas for signs of groundwater wetness or foundation leaks.
Find out more about Water Remediation Services: What, How, & Why in our expert-written blog.
Cover the Floor of Your Crawl Space
Every day, groundwater seeping into crawl spaces can introduce gallons of moisture vapor into your home. The most basic mold prevention is to cover crawl space flooring with a 6 mm polyethylene (landscapers’ plastic) vapor barrier that retains moisture in the ground.
If you use your crawl area frequently, select a thicker plastic that won’t rip as easily: A 20 mil plastic coverings are on the market. Especially cover the areas around bathrooms. This will prevent the bathroom mold and the surrounding places.
Install A Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a device that eliminates excess moisture from the air.
A whole-house dehumidifier attaches to your furnace, treats the air throughout the house, and connects to a drain so that you don’t need to empty the tank. If you live in a humid climate, a whole-house system is the best option for mold prevention.
If you occasionally experience wetness and musty odors, a portable dehumidifier will do just fine, and you can save some bucks.
If you are constantly worrying about how to prevent mold growth in your home, a dehumidifier is an excellent investment. Tom’s guide will guide you through the best dehumidifiers in 2023.
When the storage tank is full, most versions include an automatic shutdown that prevents the device from overflowing. Some portables have a hose connection that automatically directs water to a nearby floor drain.
Consult A Professional
If you can’t identify the moisture problem on your own or aren’t sure how to fix one you do find, contact a mold inspection and removal specialist in Florida. They have the proper knowledge and expertise to know what works best for your home.
They have the best mold prevention tips and techniques; they know exactly how to prevent mold in shower and prevent bathroom mold, and the best thing is, they will also tell you how to prevent mold growth in the future.
My Remediator is the best mold remediation service in Florida, as we have been providing satisfactory restoration services to homeowners all over Florida. We offer professional remediators on an affordable budget who solves your restoration issues efficiently, saving you time and money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, It’s extremely important that we take mold prevention steps to ensure a safe and healthy living environment for our loved ones.
From reducing clutter to monitoring humidity levels, controlling indoor temperature, and examining your air conditioner, there are various ways to prevent mold growth. Installing a dehumidifier is also a great investment to eliminate excess moisture from the air.
However, if you’re unsure about how to prevent mold growth or suspect that you may have a mold problem, consulting a professional mold inspection and removal specialist is always the best option. They can provide you with the best mold prevention techniques to keep you and your family safe.
If you follow the mold prevention tips provided in our comprehensive blog, you got nothing to worry about nasty mold growth. So, break free from mold and breathe without any stress!