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.