4 Ways To Reduce Humidity & Control Mold In Your Home
Mold spreads easily, especially in a humid and nutrient rich environment. Undetected mold in your home can be very bad, so reducing humidity is key to protecting it.
Mold can grow anywhere: on carpet, clothing, food, paper, and even in places you can’t see, such as the backside of drywall, areas inside walls around leaking or condensing pipes, and above ceiling tiles. Not only is a mold problem difficult and costly to fix, but mold can also produce allergens and irritants that may compromise your health.
Here are some great ways to keep humidity down in your home, and control mold.
1. Discovery
The first thing to do is to identify problem areas in your home. You can’t mold-proof your home, but you can make it mold-resistant. Does your basement flood? Do you see condensation on windows? Is there a water stain on a ceiling or wall, or any persistent leaks?
Preventing mold from growing or spreading early is key.
2. Dry Immediately
Mold can’t grow without moisture, so if you have any wet areas, dry them immediately. Any seepage into your basement after a heavy rainfall, accumulation from a leaky pipe or a spill should be cleaned up fast.
If the damage is drastic, remove carpets, bedding and furniture if they can’t be completely dried. More commonly, keep everyday occurances of moisture low – don’t leave wet items lying around the house, and make sure to run the vent fan during and after showers. Don’t leave wet clothes in the washer either, as mold can spread quickly.
3. Ventilate
Prevent moisture in your home with proper ventilation. Domestic activities may be encouraging the growth of mold in your home. Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn’t invite mold by providing proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture area. Vent appliances that produce moisture to the outside, not the attic. Use A/C units and dehumidifiers but make sure they don’t produce moisture themselves by checking and cleaning them.
4. Monitor
The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30-60%. You can measure humidity with a moisture meter purchased from your local hardware store. You’ll also be able to detect high humidity by simply paying attention to potential problem areas in your home.
If you need additional help controlling moisture in your home, contact the HVAC experts at H&S!
