Nobody likes having mold and mildew around their house, but you shouldn’t feel too bad if you do–it’s normal and hard to avoid. However, it’s not hygienic or safe to be exposed to this stuff, so it’s wise to do everything you can to prevent it from building up in your home. Thankfully, if you practice the following tips and tricks, you should be able to keep mold and mildew to a minimum.
Improve Ventilation in Damp Areas
Perhaps the most important step to avoid mold and mildew in your home is to improve its ventilation. In particular, bathrooms, basements, and kitchens are known for being breeding grounds for mold if they’re not well-ventilated, so simply opening windows, using exhaust fans, and allowing fresh air to circulate can significantly reduce moisture buildup.
Regularly Check for Leaks
Another common cause of mold and mildew is water leaks around sinks, pipes, or roofs, all of which can create the perfect environment for mold. Therefore, you should inspect these areas periodically to help catch small leaks before they become bigger problems. As long as you fix these leaks early on, keeping your space dry and free from mold should be a breeze.
Keep Humidity Levels Low
If you live in a humid region, this technique is for you. Humidity over 60% is mold’s best friend, so consider using a dehumidifier in prone areas, as it will make a big difference. Ideally, you’ll want to aim to keep humidity between 30-50% in your home while also checking for damp spots that mold might exploit.
Clean and Dry Spills Quickly
Mold loves moisture, so letting spills sit can encourage growth. Even if it’s just a bit of water on the bathroom floor or a spill in the kitchen, cleaning it up promptly will prevent mold spores from settling. It’s a small habit with big benefits for keeping your home clean and mold-free.
Use Mold-Resistant Products
If you plan on renovating or extending your home, you should choose mold-resistant drywall, paint, and insulation. These materials are all designed to reduce the chances of mold growing in high-risk areas. They’ll make a big difference, keeping walls, ceilings, and other surfaces dry and safe from infestation.
Let Sunlight In
Another way to avoid mold and mildew is to give your home plenty of sunlight. This is because mold thrives in dark spaces, and therefore, letting natural light into your home will help by drying out surfaces and reducing humidity. Even just opening some curtains and blinds will make a huge difference, bringing warmth and light to areas that mold might otherwise target.
Avoid Carpeting in High-Moisture Areas
It should go without saying that bathrooms, kitchens, and basements with carpets can retain a lot of moisture, creating a prime spot for mold to take hold. In contrast, opting for tile, vinyl, or other non-porous flooring in these spaces will keep liquid at the surface level, making it easier to mop up. So, if you’ve been thinking about renovating your home’s flooring, it might be worth rethinking your carpeting.
Keep Indoor Plants in Check
There’s no denying that plants are a lovely addition to any room, but they can actually attract mold and mildew if you’re not careful. Specifically, overwatering them can lead to excess moisture in your home’s air, and as we have covered in this article already, this kind of humidity is not good news when it comes to mold. Simply ensure that your plant pots have proper drainage and avoid letting water sit in saucers, and you should be able to continue keeping your houseplants without too many issues.
Insulate Windows and Pipes
Cold surfaces like windows and pipes can attract condensation, which leads to moisture buildup. Thankfully, though, by insulating these areas, you can reduce the amount of moisture that collects. It’s a highly effective preventative measure that keeps mold and mildew from settling in cold spots around your home, so don’t overlook it.
Use Natural Mold Deterrents
Vinegar is widely recognized for its mold-preventative properties, especially on non-porous surfaces, so we recommend using a mixture of vinegar and water to protect any mold-prone areas in your home. This solution should be especially effective for shower walls and window sills, and we’re sure you’ll find that it works well as an odor deterrent, too.
Wipe Down Shower Walls and Curtains
Whether you use vinegar or not, a quick wipe down after you shower can make a big difference in avoiding mold and mildew. Water left on shower walls and curtains can lead to mold over time, but removing it regularly prevents moisture from sitting around. It might seem like a chore, but trust us–it’ll only take a minute or two each day.
Don’t Pile Up Wet Towels or Clothes
It’s never a good idea to leave damp towels or laundry in piles, as they provide a perfectly damp environment for mildew and mold. Make it a habit to hang towels up to dry and wash clothes before they sit for too long; simple actions like these keep moisture from lingering, reducing the chance of mold forming in these common spots.
Clear Out Gutters Regularly
So many Americans don’t bother clearing out their clogged gutters, which really isn’t wise, as it can cause water to seep into your home, leading to mold in walls or ceilings. Regular gutter maintenance keeps rainwater flowing away from your home rather than pooling where it shouldn’t, so take some time every couple of months to assess your gutters, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Avoid Clutter in Damp Spaces
It’s easy to forget that packed spaces can trap moisture and limit airflow, which is perfect for mold growth. You won’t want this in your home, so keep damp areas like basements and bathrooms free from clutter; this way, you’ll be helping air to circulate and surfaces to dry, and mold will look elsewhere to grow.
Check and Clean Air Filters
Here in America, most people have an HVAC system, yet despite using it daily, they often forget to clean it out. This isn’t safe because air filters can harbor mold due to condensation buildup. Furthermore, it’s the filter’s job to help improve airflow, so if it’s not clean, it will be much easier for mold and mildew to grow around your home.
Keep an Eye on Food Storage
Last but perhaps the most common cause of mold in a home is refrigeration. We’ve all been there, leaving some vegetables in the fridge for too long, only to discover it moldy and disgusting. It’s not a difficult problem to resolve, though; just check your food expiration dates and regularly clean out your refrigerator with vinegar, and you’ll have a much cleaner and safer food storage environment for you and your family.