Keeping Mould Away From Your Home: Tips For Prevention and Control

Mould is an issue most people aren't aware of until they see or smell it. A mouldy home can cause serious health issues. If you leave it long enough, it will get more serious and spread further. Once it's settled and laid, mould is quite a hassle to get rid of, so the most effective strategy to fight it is to be proactive. The key to mould growth is moisture, so controlling it is a matter of retaining moisture.

Mould: How Does It Grow?

Moisture in a building always leads to mould growth. As a result of humidity and steam in the bathroom or kitchen, humidity increases. As mould spores develop within 24 hours, if the humidity rises, you might see the first signs within that time frame. It grows anywhere: on clothes, carpets, or walls - to prevent mould, you should reduce humidity. 

Mold is often caused by condensation. Condensed water appears in cold spots in your room during the winter. In the corner or on the windows, for example. Condensation may also occur in the summer if it's warmer outside than inside the house.

By regularly inspecting your home for maintenance issues such as loose roof tiles or broken gutters, you may avoid mould growth. There may be other problems that can be resolved easily, like moisture collecting on the bathroom pipes.

Essential Steps for Preventing Mould From Taking Over Your Home

Identify Mould Growth Areas

Next time, you should Include in your home improvement project inspecting the problem areas in your home. Take a look at your home: Are there any windows in your bathroom? Is your basement flooded? Is your upstairs window frequently condensed? Does a constant leak cause water stains on the ceiling? Remember that a regular inspection of potential mould growth spots is very important - it will save you many headaches associated with home repairs.

Here are the top places where mould grows:

Bathroom: When the room is not well-ventilated, mould can appear around the drains in the sink, in the shower area, and even on the walls and ceilings. Mould develops more easily in bathrooms without windows. If you want a better ventilation system in wet areas, you should install an exhaust fan or a dehumidifier specifically designed for that purpose.

Wardrobe: If clothing is not stored properly, mould can grow. Before storing clothing in the wardrobe, make sure it is well-dried. Alternatively, if there is not adequate airflow in the closet, consider investing in a moisture absorber (charcoal is an excellent natural option).

Laundry: In particular, front-loaders tend to accumulate mould, so make sure to wipe them down after each use. Maintain a clean detergent dispenser. If you are drying clothes in a tumble dryer, always use an exhaust fan and make sure the room is properly ventilated.

Proper Window Ventilation

You should ventilate frequently to remove moisture, and you should clean any signs of mould growth right away. Especially in excessive humidity and damp conditions, insufficient ventilation can cause it to grow on walls, furniture, and personal property. Mould is harmful and can cause allergic reactions. If you notice mould in the bathroom, increase the ventilation. Regularly clean the bathroom and turn on the exhaust fan after every shower. While taking showers, keep the bathroom door closed. When cooking or using the dishwasher, keep the kitchen door closed and the room well-ventilated.

Open windows are an excellent way to prevent mould and condensation from growing. Have you ever wondered how long it takes to keep windows open to avoid condensation? Generally, ventilate your house for 30 minutes daily by opening the windows. You should open your windows in the morning and evening while the heating in the room is off.

It is also important to open the interior doors along with the windows to provide ventilation from both sides. This action prevents excess moisture from accumulating on walls, floors, and ceilings.

Keep in mind that opening the windows is just one method of controlling mould onset, and it won't always be effective. A hot summer day with high humidity outdoors will only result in more moisture coming inside, especially if your windows are open. Opening the windows will also not help if it's raining.

Drying Wet Areas Immediately

Mould cannot grow without moisture, so clean up wet areas as soon as possible. Flooding in the bathroom, accumulated water from leaking pipes, or even water spots on the carpet must be dried within 24 hours. Water-damaged carpets, bedding, and furniture should be removed if they can't be completely dried. Make sure to dry the shower walls after each use and hang wet clothes from the washer as soon as possible.

Avoid Drying Clothes Indoors

If you dry your clothes indoors on a clothes horse or radiator, moisture will escape from them, making your mould problem worse. Rather than hanging your clothes to dry, consider using a tumble dryer. If that isn't possible, open the windows to let air flow through.

Investing in a Good Dehumidifier

Here are the key benefits of dehumidifier:

• Eliminating allergies and dust mites;
• Preventing condensation;
• Reducing mould growth;
• Eliminating unpleasant odours;
• Increasing health and well-being;

Arm Yourself With Effective Cleaning Products

You should be well-equipped with the most effective cleaning products if you already have mould in your home. For years, harsh cleaning products like bleach were the top choice for mould removal. However, many cleaning experts now recommend safer alternatives. It's because chlorine only works against surface mould, and the fumes it releases are hazardous to health. Most bathroom surfaces can be cleaned with vinegar directly, as it is a natural mould preventer (but you should not use vinegar on marble surfaces). You can also use vinegar for window cleaning - an ideal green solution to remove mould spots from the window sill.

Keep Houseplants Free of Mould

Indoor plants are excellent decorative pieces and also improve air quality. Moisture in the soil, however, can lead to mould growth in your home. In order to prevent such an issue, make sure to keep plants in well-ventilated areas. Wipe the leaves down regularly with a soft cloth to keep them clean and mould-free.

Takeaways

• Mould is very contagious. That is why it is better to inspect problem areas and clean your home regularly.
• Ventilate as often as you can.
• Moisture, condensation, and leaks are the main causes of mould growth. Fix leaks as quickly as possible.
• For mould removal, you can use chemical products or natural alternatives.