Mold growth is often an underestimated problem when it comes to anything related to your home. They look harmless and could go unnoticed due to their microbial size. They’re relatively easy to get rid of on hard surfaces— you just need a cloth and some mild soap. However, leaving mold growth unchecked will cause a bigger problem in your home.

Despite their small size, mold can grow extensively and cause chaos in your house. In large amounts, they can give off a musty smell, look unsightly, and even cause chronic health problems.

In short, you don’t ever want to deal with mold in the first place. Although you’ve probably seen severe cases of mold and how challenging they may be to remove, there are steps you can take to prevent them from taking over your home.

In this article, we’re going to talk about what mold is, what causes them to grow, and how you can take action and prevent them from growing in your house.

 

Causes of Mold Growth

Several factors can cause mold growth, but the common denominator has always been moisture. Mold thrives in dark, damp, and unventilated spaces. When left undisturbed, you can expect them to grow tenfold in just a short period.

You will likely discover mold in places such as basements or bathrooms. Bathrooms are often damp, and basements lack ventilation— making them perfect places for mold to flourish.

Mold can grow quickly and significantly without being noticeable. Most of the time, homeowners discover mold growth due to the unpleasant odor they emit. They can grow for months or even years.

 

Effects of Mold Inside a Home

Mold doesn’t just smell bad. They also cause a lot of adverse effects on the home and household. One of the most common and frightening effects of mold is the ability to cause health problems such as asthma, nausea, vomiting, and deteriorating immunity. The people most at risk are usually infants, the elderly, and pregnant women.

Mold can also destroy a home’s structure. Although it will take a long time for mold to grow to destroy a house, you should never ignore mold growth. One of the most damaging types of mold is black mold, which is the most toxic.

Other than that, mold can damage your items and furniture. This is a big problem, especially if your home has wooden materials or items. Since wood is a porous material, it can be hard to remove mold on wood, and you would need to discard your furniture or objects.

 

Mold Growth Prevention Tips

Now that you’re familiar with what causes mold and how it can cause harmful effects to the home and household, you might be wondering how you can prevent mold growth. The good news is, we have several tips that will decrease the chances of mold growth in your home.

Eliminate moisture

“Moisture is mold’s best friend. So, you want to make sure that there are no signs of moisture in your home. This can come from several things such as leaky pipes, spills, improperly dried fabrics, or even malfunctioning appliances.” comments professional emergency plumber Dmitri Kara.

If you come across any damp spots or puddles, clean them immediately and make sure that you use effective cleaning solutions to prevent bacteria from growing. This is especially important if your home has carpet flooring. Since carpets are porous, they can be the perfect place for mold to grow. So, keep anything porous as dry as possible, and make sure you get rid of any damp spots as soon as you spot them.

Repair any damages as soon as possible

Leaks and cracks in your home can cause mold growth if left alone for too long since they usually end up being damp spots. Sometimes, you might not notice there’s a leak until you see black spots growing on your walls or pipes. Before things get to this stage, make sure you repair any damages, such as leaks or cracks, as soon as possible.

If you cannot locate the leaks or cracks since they might be in the basement, you can call a professional to help you inspect your home for any damages. This way, you can plan what damages you need to repair and figure out what you’re dealing with.

Regularly check your appliances

Your appliances can be culprits for floods and mold growth if they malfunction. Appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, or anything that functions with water eventually break down over time, and you need to replace or repair them.

The last thing you want is for your washing machine to cause a flooded basement. Before your appliance malfunction, check on them regularly. Look for signs of irregularities and if you’re in doubt, keep them unplugged until you get a professional to take a look at them.

Increase air circulation in your home

Since mold thrives in damp and unventilated spaces, air circulation is one of your best weapons to combat them. For rooms that lack ventilation, such as basements or bathrooms, you might want to consider installing a fan, air conditioner, or dehumidifier.

According to the EPA, the recommended humidity indoors should be between 30-50%. Humidity that exceeds 60% is a breeding ground for mold. If you have a tight budget, you can regularly combat mold growth by opening your windows and doors. This will give your home decent airflow and keep your living space well-ventilated.

Consider using mold-resistant products

If you want to go all out, think about incorporating mold-resistant products into your home. For example, you could opt for mold-resistant drywall instead of traditional drywall. You could also use mold-resistant paint if you’re trying to spice up your living space.

Using mold-resistant products can help prevent moisture absorption and prevent mold growth in the long run. Although it might seem tedious, it’ll certainly decrease the chances of mold growth in the future.

Keep your home clean

Lastly, keep your home tidy by cleaning regularly. In the end, dirty environments help mold thrive. Mold loves to eat organic matter, and this is usually found in dusty places. A sure way to keep mold out of your home is to keep your home clean.

If you have carpet flooring, schedule professional carpet cleaning regularly. Also, keep damp areas such as basements and bathrooms clean. Additionally, you can clean your home with a HEPA vacuum cleaner, which has been proven to remove mold spores effectively.

 

Wrapping Up

Mold growth is no joke. It can grow from a few tiny spots to a whole colony and wreak havoc inside your home. When mold has grown too big, it can be a challenge to remove, and you might need professionals to help you.

However, there are things you can do to prevent mold from growing in your home. Although it doesn’t eliminate the chances of mold growth ultimately, it does decrease the chances of it happening significantly. So, if you’re wondering what you can do to protect your home from mold, we hope these tips will help.

Bluegrass Company
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=1536571363059009812
3323 Wood Valley Ct, Lexington, KY 40502
(859) 888-1515
http://www.bluegrasscleaning.com/