Mold is a common issue in many households. Apart from t being unsightly, it can also harm your health. Fortunately, keeping your home mold-free and maintaining a healthy living environment won’t be impossible. In this blog post, we’ve listed the top seven tips on keeping mold at bay in your household. From ensuring proper ventilation to cleaning your bathroom regularly, we’ll show you some simple changes you can add to your routine that will make a big difference. So, let’s get started and keep your home mold-free!
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Seven proven strategies to help you keep your home mold-free
Mold can be found anywhere and in any type of home. So, if you wish to deep-clean yours or you are moving into a new home, it’s essential to focus on these areas first to eliminate mold and prevent its further growth:
- the fridge,
- kitchen appliances, the sink, and the under-the-sink part,
- bathroom,
- corners of your walls,
- basement,
- floors.
You can maintain a mold-free atmosphere in your new home and live in a healthy environment by adopting simple preventive measures. So, it would be good to start by scanning these places for any indications of moisture or mold. Then, you can take the necessary precautions to stop mold growth before it worsens.
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- Control the moisture
Moisture is the key contributor to mold growth, so keeping it under control is crucial. The best option is to use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels optimal or below 50%.
Also, if you notice any leaks, it’s crucial to fix them as soon as possible and make sure both your kitchen and bathroom have proper airflow. Finally, you should wipe up any spills or standing water immediately and keep your surfaces dry.
- Clean and repair surfaces
Mold can grow on any home surface, including your walls, ceilings, furniture, and floors. That’s why simply cleaning some areas regularly with only soap and water won’t help on your mission.
On the other hand, if you have a mold problem, you could include the following solution to your cleaning checklist: solution of one part bleach to ten parts water to clean surfaces and then let them dry completely. However, if you have a more significant mold problem in your new (or existing) home, it would be best to hire a pro to clear and fix affected surfaces.
- Improve the airflow
By reducing humidity levels and increasing air movement in your home, you can aid in preventing the spread of mold. For example, you could use exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen, open windows and doors frequently, and turn on ceiling fans in commonly used areas. Air purifiers can also assist in removing mold spores from the air.
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Therefore, maintaining proper ventilation is critical to preventing mold growth in your home. Some other important ways to do this are to ensure that all of your appliances, such as your washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher, are adequately vented to the outside.
- Store items correctly if you wish to keep your home mold-free
Furthermore, mold can grow on items simply stored in damp areas or poorly ventilated. That’s why keeping your things in dry and well-ventilated areas is vital, which can help you prevent mold buildup. Ultimately, if you have items that are susceptible to mold, like books, papers, or clothing, you could consider storing them in airtight containers.
- Use mold-resistant products
Fortunately, several products on the market can prevent mold formation and keep your home mold-free. So, if possible, consider using mold-resistant materials, like paint, drywall, chalk, etc. To stop mold from growing in your bathroom, you can choose mold-resistant flooring materials, bath mats, and shower curtains.
- Monitor the humidity levels to keep your home mold-free
The humidity levels in your home can help you identify potential mold problems before they become serious. One of the simple tricks is to use a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity in your home. If the results are too high, you can take the necessary measures to reduce these levels. You can also use humidity sensors and alarms to alert you to changes in humidity levels.
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- Check for mold regularly
Making checks for mold a part of your routine can help prevent larger problems and address the ones already there right from the beginning. Therefore, if you have a home maintenance list, make sure to include mold checks and prepare well for the upcoming spring cleaning.
For instance, you should first check areas that are prone to moisture, such as your bathroom, kitchen, and basement. Then, what’s the most important is to be on the lookout for any signs of mold growth, such as discoloration or musty odors. If you do happen to find mold, address the problem promptly to prevent it from spreading. Depending on the seriousness of the situation, you can choose to solve it by yourself or call a professional for help.
- Use natural remedies
If you prefer to avoid using heavy chemicals to clean the mold, natural alternatives can also be effective. For example, white vinegar is known as a natural mold killer and can help you clean surfaces. The solution is simple: combine one part vinegar and one part water into a spray bottle and apply the solution to afflicted areas. Then, let the solution sit for at least an hour, and finally, clean it with a clean and dry cloth.
Final thoughts on how to keep your home mold-free
In summary, in order to keep your home mold-free, you’ll need to use a combination of tasks to do this successfully. From moisture control and monitoring humidity levels to using effective products, we’re sure you’ll be able to prevent mold from growing and keep your home a safe and healthy living space.
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