Mould. It’s not something you want growing in your house… But Mould can grow anywhere!
In the carpet, clothing, food, paper and even places, you can’t see, like inside your walls and above ceiling tile!
Mould problems are difficult and costly… Not to mention that they can produce allergens at sometimes (rarely) toxins that may compromise your health.
How can you prevent mould from growing in your home?
The number one way is simply this… Moisture control.
So here are 8 ways to prevent the indoor moisture that causes mould to grow.
- Identify problems in your home and correct them.
Take a walk through your home. Where are the problem areas? Is there frequent condensation on the upstairs window? Does the basement flood? Is there water stains on your ceiling? Address the problem now. It might cost some money upfront, but if mould grows, it’s going to cost a whole lot more. - Dry wet areas immediately!
Mould cannot grow without moisture. Remove carpet, bedding or furniture that cannot be completely dried. Dry floors and drywall that are affected by flooding. Even normal things like leaving wet items around the house or leaving floors or walls wet after a shower can cause mould! - Proper Ventilation is key.
Sometimes it is your routine activities that cause mould to grow in your home. Things like making dinner, taking a shower or doing laundry can invite mould into your home if you do not have proper ventilation. Vent appliances that produce moisture to the outside… not the attic! Open a window or run an exhaust fan when cooking, taking a shower or washing dishes and laundry. - Use Mould-Resistant Products.
Are you building a new home or renovating an old one? Use mould-resistant products such as mould-resistant drywall or Sheetrock. You can even get paint with mould inhibitors. - Monitor humidity.
You can measure humidity with a moisture meter purchased from your hardware store. Your indoor humidity should between 30 and 60 percent. You can of course also detect high humidity by paying attention to potential problem areas in your home. Condensation on windows, pipes, and walls are a sure sign of high humidity. - Direct water away from your home.
If the ground around your home isn’t sloped away from the foundation, water may collect there and find its way into your basement. Clean your roof gutters and inspect for damage regularly as well to prevent leaking. - Improve airflow in your home.
To increase circulation, open doors between rooms, move furniture away from walls and open doors to closets. Let fresh air in to reduce moisture and keep the mould away. - Keep Mould off indoor plants.
They’re beautiful and keep your indoor air clean… but mould loves them. Moist soil can be the perfect breeding ground for mould – which may then spread to other areas of your house. Be aware and watch for signs of mould.
If you have mold infestation in your Windsor home, it is best to call a professional mold removal and cleaning service in Windsor, ON.