How to Prevent Mold Growth in your Home

If you find out that the mold in your house is the source of your symptoms, cleaning out and fixing sources is your first priority. If you have a serious mold problem, you should contact a certified mold inspector and a mold remediation company. If you attempt to remove the moldy areas of your home on your own, you could spread the spores all over the house. Plus, there might be mold lurking behind walls or under floors. An expert mold inspector will be able to perform tests to determine the levels and types of mold present.

To prevent mold from taking hold in the first place, you should follow some basic steps:

Bring down the humidity: Keep the relative humidity in your home at around 35-50 percent. Use a dehumidifier if needed, and keep your basement as dry as possible.
Keep it clean: Scrub the kitchen and bathroom regularly to prevent mold in moist areas. Consider removing any bathroom carpeting. Scour garbage cans regularly.
Run a tight ship: Quickly repair any plumbing or roof leaks, and clean or replace water-damaged woodwork, carpeting or furniture.
Get more air: Use an exhaust fan to remove water vapor from your bathroom (especially while showering), and from your kitchen while boiling water or running the dishwasher. Make sure your home has proper ventilation.
Throw it out: Discard musty old books, newspapers, clothes or bedding.

If you see a small spot of mold, don’t panic–grab some bleach and get busy. (Be sure to use proper protection such as rubber gloves, eye protection and a face mask.) However, if you’re feeling sick, or the moldy area is larger than just a spot, have yourself tested for mold allergies, and get your house or apartment tested for spores. It’s the best way to ensure that your home is keeping you safe–not making you sick.

Learn More
The Basics of Good Ventilation
Good Mold vs. Bad Mold