Mold infestation is often a serious menace. Not only is it a health hazard, but removing mold can also be detrimental to your wallet. As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. That is certainly true in cases of mold growing in the basement or the bathrooms. Here are 8 handy tips for preventing a mold infestation in your home.
Fix any leaks immediately
Whether it is a dripping faucet, a leaky pipe or a problem with the roofing, get it fixed immediately. The longer you let these problems stick around, the greater the risk of a mold infestation. For hard to reach pipes, call a professional plumber rather than trying to be a hero yourself.
Keep the gutters clean
A clean gutter ensures that rain water and melting snow is carried away and does not accumulate on the roof. A dirty and clogged gutter cannot function properly and a buildup of water in the gutters in inevitable. To prevent mold from getting a foothold, ensure that you keep the gutters clean.
Remove wallpaper from the bathrooms
Wallpapers do make any room look elegant, but the bathroom is not the place for it. Over time, the wallpaper absorbs moisture and becomes a breeding ground for mold spores. Instead of wallpapering the bathroom walls, opt for paint instead. Plastic paints last a lot longer and resist fungal growth.
Use a strong cleaning product on tiles and shower curtains
Simply wiping the bathroom tiles or hosing the shower curtain clean is not enough. Despite your best cleaning efforts, mold may be able to make the bathroom its home. Use a strong cleaning product that mentions it is a fungicide. You don’t have to use it every time you clean the bathroom, but once a moth is definitely recommended.
Ensure proper ventilation in kitchen and bathrooms
Dampness breeds mold and the best way to fight dampness is to ensure proper ventilation. Install exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom; use them to make sure there is proper air circulation in the rooms. You can also install exhaust fans in the basement or the garage to guarantee good ventilation.
Waterproof the basement
Just because your basement does not flood does not mean that you shouldn’t consider waterproofing it. Moisture always finds a way to get into the basement and waterproofing the basement will ensure that no moisture seeps in through the floor or the walls.
Invest in a dehumidifier
Most homeowners require a humidifier, especially in the winter months. However, investing in a dehumidifier is also just as important and can be a major tool in the fight against mold. Limit the amount of time you run the humidifier and make sure that the dehumidifier is used in the basement, attic and bathrooms.
Carry out inspections
The best way to fight a mold infestation is to catch it early on, before it has the chance to spread or cause any damage. Professional mold inspectors and removal experts can take a look at your home, identify possible problem areas, and suggest what changes you can make to prevent future mold infestations.
