Ten Tips for Mold Prevention

Since indoor mold proliferation can only occur with moisture, the surest way to prevent a mold problem in your house is to keep the interior dry.

1. Make sure your roof and exterior walls are maintained well. Fix any roof or wall leaks immediately.
2. Ensure your home’s plumbing is kept in good condition. If you see any leaks, contain any excess water, and call a licensed plumber.
3. Any surface mold around kitchen sinks should be cleaned using a 10% bleach solution with a small amount of non-ammoniated detergent to cut surface tension. The area should remain wet for 15 minutes, then rinsed and allowed to dry.
4. Clean up and remove all water or moisture within 24-48 hours after any spills, leaks or floods.
5. Add fans and open windows to improve air circulation and prevent excess moisture. Turning on your air conditioner or a dehumidifier should also help.  Interior humidity levels should stay below 50%.
6. Check your kitchen exhaust fan and clothes dryer to make sure they vent outside.
7. Eliminating excess moisture after a hot shower can be done by running the bathroom fan. This can sometimes take up to two hours but there are humidity sensors which you can buy and install that can automatically turn the fan off once the humidity is lowered.
8. If you think your home is high in humidity or is prone in any way to developing mold, the CDC suggests repainting your walls with paint containing mold inhibitors.
9.  If your carpet or upholstery has been soaked and did not dry within 24-48 hours, and the area has developed a musty smell, we recommend the area be inspected for mold.
10. Maintain adequate drainage to prevent water from entering the crawl space.

If you suspect mold due to past leaks or flooding but can’t see it, a mold inspection should be done. A good mold inspector is trained to look for signs of damage, such as bubbling paint, soggy walls, discoloration, et cetera. When they find an area that they suspect could have mold, they measure the moisture level and may also use an infrared camera to look for cold spots (which indicate presence of moisture). If the moisture level is high enough or the infrared image indicates the area is colder than it should be, the inspector may recommend air samples.

Looking for a mold inspector you can trust? Meet Jim!