Top 15 Mold Prevention Tips to help maintain the highest quality living environment for your home
Circulate the Air –
- Open your windows – Proper ventilation is essential. When the outside air is drier than the inside, ventilation allows the dry air to enter, take up excess moisture, and then be carried outside. When natural breezes are not sufficient, you can use electric fans placed near a window. If it is not possible to open windows, run the fan on the air-handling unit to circulate fresh air throughout your home.
- In damp or rainy weather conditions, keep windows and doors closed.
- Poorly ventilated closets get damp and musty during continued wet weather, and articles stored in them are apt to mildew. Try to improve the air circulation by opening the closet doors or by installing a fan.
- Do not overfill closets or storage areas. Ventilation is important in these areas.
- Do not allow damp or moist stacks of clothes or other cloth materials to lie in piles for any extended period of time. Dry all wet clothing (including clothes wet from rain or perspiration) before putting it in the closet. Hang clothes loosely so that air can circulate around them.
- Increase the airflow in your home by moving furniture away from the walls.
Heat –
- Get rid of dampness by heating the home for a short time. Then open doors and windows to let out the moisture laden air. An exhaust fan may be used to force it out.
- If possible, maintain a temperature of between 50 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit within your home at all times.
- Using an electric light continuously (60 – 100 watt bulb) can dry air in closet and other small areas. The heat will prevent mildew if the space is not too large. PRECAUTION: Be sure to place the light bulb far enough from clothing and other flammables to avoid the danger of fire.
- Chemicals that absorb moisture may be used to absorb moisture from the air. Follow directions on the label exactly.
Get Rid of Musty Odors –
- Get rid of musty odors as soon as possible to prevent further mold growth. Usually musty odors disappear if the area is well heated and dried. If the odors remain, the following treatment may be necessary: On cement floors and on tiled walls and floors in bathrooms, get rid of mustiness by scrubbing with a diluted solution of sodium hypochlorite or other chlorine bleach available in grocery stores. Use one half cup to one cup of liquid household bleach to one gallon of water. Rinse with clear water and wipe as dry as possible. Keep windows open until walls and floors are thoroughly dry. PRECAUTION: Work quickly and carefully on plastic and asphalt tile to avoid spotting the surface.
- When the weather is damp, you may find items in your home that have musty odors and mildew stains. Once you find mold and mildew spots, remove them as soon as you can. Old stains are very hard to remove.
Use Exhaust Fans –
- Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, showering, and cleaning.
- Use the pre-installed bathroom fan or alternative ventilation when bathing or showering and allow the fan to run until all excess moisture has vented.
- Use the exhaust fans in your kitchen when cooking or while the dishwasher is running and allow the fan to run until all excess moisture has vented.