Top 5 Effective Actions to Take to Prevent Mold

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

If your building has been damaged in a flood or severe storm, you may have an impressive and nasty mold colony on your hands.

Mold is everywhere. But no one wants it in their home or business. Preventing mold growth doesn’t have to require any special equipment or training. Here are the top 5 effective actions to take to prevent mold growth in your property. 

How Does Mold Get in Your House?

Mold spores are microscopic and opportunistic organisms. They’re all around us — but there’s no need to be paranoid because mold needs the right conditions to grow.

In most cases, mold comes inside through open windows and doors, vents, or HVAC systems. You can also bring mold spores inside when they hitch a ride on your clothes or bags. Pets can also bring mold into the home. 

Mold needs moisture, organic materials to munch on, and the right humidity levels to grow. Anytime you have a water leak or a flooded building, mold can start forming quickly. It’ll grow on materials like:

• Paper and cardboard
• Wood
• Ceiling tiles
• Wallpaper
• Paint
• Drywall
• Carpet
• Textiles
• Insulation
• Dust

How Do I Know if Mold is in My House?

You’ll see small dots forming on the materials listed above. The spots can be any color, and the mold will emit a musty odor. Take these actions to prevent mold growth if you spot it, pun intended. 

Actions to Take to Prevent Mold

#1. Maintain low humidity levels to prevent mold

Too high humidity levels feed mold growth. Try to keep indoor humidity levels to 50% or lower. Running the AC and a dehumidifier can help. 

#2. Keep the air flowing freely

Mold is a big fan of stagnant air. Keep air flowing to prevent mold growth. Use exhaust vans with outside vents in the kitchen or bathroom. Vent clothes dryers outside the home. 

#3. Fix leaks

Plumbing and roof leaks can seriously derail your best-laid plans if you're trying to prevent mold growth. Fix any leaks asap to keep mold at bay. 

#4. Take quick action after floods

Clean and thoroughly dry your home within 48 hours after a flood. Mold will proliferate if stagnant water, air, and high humidity levels aren’t remediated asap after flooding. 

#5. Consider using paint additives

Painting your home? Consider adding mold inhibitors to your paint. These compounds go a long way toward preventing mold growth on walls, floors, and ceilings. 

#6. Add mold-killing products to your cleaning regimen

You can use simple, undiluted white vinegar or specially-formulated mold-killing products to effectively clean and prevent mold growth in bathrooms and kitchens. 

#7. Reconsider your upholstery choices

Carpet in the bathroom or basement? Not a good idea if you’re looking to prevent mold. Also, promptly remove and replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked in a flood or plumbing leak. 

Taking Actions to Prevent Mold: The Bottom Line

Mold needs specific conditions to grow before it becomes a serious problem. The top actions to take to prevent mold growth ultimately boil down to reducing humidity, promptly fixing leaks, and cleaning any flood damage fast. 

If your building has been damaged in a flood or severe storm, you may have an impressive and nasty mold colony on your hands. In that case, you need the experts. 

Contact SERVPRO North Irving any time, day or night, for a free estimate on mold removal at (972) 986-7677.