How to Keep Your Home Dry and Mold Free For the Holidays
In your fight against mold, you will have greater success if you lower the amount of moisture that’s in your home. The key is to be proactive. You also have to pay close attention to the details. Covering all the bases in your personal inspection is a must because overlooking even the smallest source of moisture can lead to the onset of mold.
Signs of Mold Growth
If mold is present in your home, you will likely smell a pungent odor. You may also find clusters of black spots in the carpet or along the wall. As mold grows, its appearance slightly changes, but it will still be easy to distinguish. The bathroom, the laundry room, the furnace room and the kitchen are the first places to check because they produce the most moisture.
When You’re Cooking
You ought to get in the habit of using the extractor unit anytime you’re whipping up a meal on the stove. The extractor unit will help reduce the moisture that’s in the kitchen. Putting a lid on your saucepans and opening up some windows will also help.
When You’re Using the Bathroom
Whether you are about to take a short shower, defecate or take a long bath, it’s important that you ventilate the bathroom. If you can’t open the window, consider turning on the fan if one is in there. If there isn’t one, make sure to let the bathroom air out as soon as you’re done using it.
When You Find a Leak
When you first notice that there’s a leak in your roof, you should waste no time with getting it fixed. Leaks, no matter where they are, set the stage for mold to develop and reproduce.
When You’re Doing the Laundry
It’s not advisable to start washing your clothes if you aren’t able to dry them immediately. Wet clothes will mildew if you take too long to dry out the moisture that’s trapped inside them. If you use a clothesline instead of a drying machine, keep in mind that it’s best to dry wet clothes outdoors. That’s because drying clothes indoors on a clothesline is going to create the ideal environment for mold growth.
When it Comes to Your HVAC System
Mold can easily grow in or travel to your HVAC system’s components, especially the air ducts. To save yourself some unnecessary headaches, you should hire a professional technician to clean your system. A thorough cleaning of the filters will help keep mold spores from accumulating in your ventilation system and spreading throughout your home.
It’s highly imperative that you take measures to prevent mold growth from becoming a problem because once it develops, you’re going to be in for a long and costly fight. Mold isn’t just unsightly; it’s also a health risk. Some types are more toxic than others, so you should always err on the side of caution. The best time to call a professional is when you first notice any potential spots of mold. Contact Flood & Mold NJ for all of your mold control needs.