How to Prevent Mold and Allergens in Your Home
Mold is a type of fungus with a woolly texture and varies in color. Mold develops in damp areas that are not well-lit, such as basements, bathrooms, and crawlspaces. It is essential to prevent mold growth because it can damage your home’s structural integrity, which can be costly to fix. Living in a moldy home causes health issues, such as sinus congestion, headache, throat irritation, respiratory problems, and allergic symptoms.
Below are ways to prevent mold growth at home.
Moisture control
Moisture control is the most effective method of curbing mold growth. Maintaining appropriate humidity levels gives a mold-free environment. Mold thrives in humid environments, and thus it is vital to ensure you maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50%.
Humidity levels are influenced by daily activities like cooking and drying clothes, making it necessary to monitor indoor humidity levels as they keep changing frequently. Installing a dehumidifier helps to reduce moisture from the air making your home less susceptible to mold. In addition, using an AC unit helps to achieve low humidity levels.
Proper ventilation
Ventilation keeps air moving and prevents moisture build-up in the house. Areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms have high moisture levels making them prone to mold development. It is important to open windows to aid moisture flow when cooking or having a shower.
Air vents can be fitted into windows to enhance ventilation. Besides that, it is advisable to keep doors shut to confine moisture to these rooms when in use. Open doors allow steam to travel to other rooms, which can cause mold problems.
Cleaning carpets
A moldy carpet is likely to have an unpleasant odor and ugly stains. A spill on the carpet should be attended to immediately. Carpets should always be kept dry free of moisture or water to reduce the likelihood of mold growth. It is important to vacuum carpets frequently to ensure they are mold-free.
A moldy carpet can be cleaned using white vinegar. Spray vinegar on the carpet and scrub it with a brush. Avoid diluting vinegar with water as it will lose its effectiveness. Let the applied vinegar sit for at least an hour and wipe with water. Finally, use a dehumidifier to get rid of moisture.
Regular professional carpet cleaning can also ensure your home remains mold and allergen-free. A Brighton, Colorado carpet cleaning service recommends that you get your carpets professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months to maintain indoor air quality.
Avoid dampness
Mold can’t grow without moisture. After taking a shower, it is necessary to wipe dry the walls and floor of the bathroom. Moisture settles on these areas creating an ideal environment for mold to grow.
After doing laundry, do not leave clothes in the washing machine. Also, do not dry clothes indoors because the water evaporates and creates a damp atmosphere in your home.