Controlling Moisture is the Key to Preventing Mold Growth
Mold
is the invisible enemy, hiding in your home and polluting the air that you
breathe. Some molds can produce toxic substances (called mycotoxins) that have been linked to certain health problems – including allergic reactions, flu-like
symptoms and skin rashes. Molds may also aggravate asthma in some people.
Mold
thrives in warm, damp conditions. That means springtime is prime time for mold
growth. The good news is, controlling mold is simply a matter of controlling
moisture. Just follow these tips, and you can keep your home mold-free:
·
Fix Leaks Fast – Repair
leaks promptly and dry out and clean any water-damaged area. Any materials that
stay wet for longer than 48 hours are likely to produce mold growth. For small
mold problems, use detergent and water to wash mold off hard surfaces, then dry
the area completely. If you’ve got porous or absorbent materials (i.e., ceiling
tiles, wallboard and carpeting) that have become moldy, they should be
replaced.
·
Run the AC – Run the
air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid weather to prevent condensation
problems which could lead to excess moisture and mold growth.
·
Insulate and
Ventilate - Make sure your house’s exterior walls are properly insulated to prevent
condensation during the winter months. Ventilate or use exhaust fans (to the
outdoors) in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry areas to halt the accumulation of
excess moisture.
·
Check the Fridge
– Every refrigerator has a drain pan to collect the water that melts off
the coils during defrosting. This is usually not a problem because most
refrigerators defrost automatically and the water quickly evaporates. But under
humid conditions, the water can stand in the drain pan long enough for mold to
form. Check your fridge’s drain pan and clean it thoroughly as needed.
·
Wear Clean-Up
Gear – It may not look like much, but mold is not to be trifled with. Don
protective gear before launching a mold clean-up job. Experts recommend that
you wear long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm. Wear goggles to
safeguard your eyes against mold spores. To defend against breathing airborne
spores into your lungs, wear an N-95 respirator or dust mask – these can be
purchased at many hardware stores for less than $12 to $25.
·
Consult an Expert
– The HomeSafe Home Protection Plan helps protect your home year-round
from mold contamination. HomeSafe uses infrared technology to track mold to its
moisture source so that it never poses a health hazard to you or your family.
Call HomeSafe at (866) 327-7233 for more details.