Unfortunately for homeowners, mold is a rather common problem among most United States households. The presence of mold has been linked to a number of serious health problems, including breathing issues, allergies, and even depression. It’s no wonder that so many companies specialize in mold-related services. Enrique Ramirez is the owner of PuroClean Property Paramedics, a company that specializes in mold prevention and remediation, and according to him, the best way to treat mold is to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Mold requires three components in order to exist. First, it needs a food source, which can be just about anything in the home. After all, mold has been known to feed off of everything from dust to wood to drywall. The second thing that mold needs is the ideal temperature to develop; this usually falls 60 to 85 degrees. Since most internal home temperatures also tend to fall within this range, it’s no wonder that mold doesn’t seem to have such a difficult time springing up. The third and final thing that mold needs is moisture, which is the one aspect of the mold-producing formula that homeowners actually do have the ability to control.
The best way for homeowners to prevent mold is to take steps to minimize the presence of moisture within the home. For starters, anyone whose home contains a basement should invest in a dehumidifier. You can purchase either a stand-alone unit or one that runs directly into a drain. Next, you’ll want to keep your house as well-ventilated as possible. This means that you’ll need to make an effort to run bathrooms vents after showering or taking baths. Ramirez suggests running the bathroom vent 30 to 60 minutes after showering to allow the moisture to truly dissipate.
Another way for homeowners to prevent mold is to keep an eye out for leaks. You’ll want to make sure to check all faucets and toilets, as these tend to be popular leak sources. Unfortunately, Ramirez has seen too many cases of a leaky faucet dripping into a connected cabinet, thereby creating the perfect breeding ground for mold. It is important to check anything else in your home that has a water supply source. If your fridge contains a water cooler or built-in ice maker, then it becomes a potential hot spot for leaks. If you do spot a leak, then get it repaired as soon as possible. The longer you wait to have it fixed, the greater your chances of having mold grow into a large scale problem.
The more proactive you are in searching for the warning signs of mold, the less likely you’ll be to encounter a significant mold problem. For a truly thorough job, check ceilings and walls for water stains on a regular basis. Discolored walls or ceilings are usually a sign that there could be a problem. You’ll also want to clean out your gutters regularly and aim any outdoor sprinklers away from your home’s exterior walls to prevent water from seeping into the house.
Another good way to prevent mold is to reduce the presence of dust. Vacuum floors and dust windowsills and furniture regularly. Don’t forget to cover those hard to reach places; dust has a tendency to accumulate behind refrigerators and under living room couches. You should also remember to clean or replace air conditioner filters as recommended.
By taking the proper steps to prevent mold, you’ll be doing your part to prevent hassles and health problems down the line. However, if despite your best efforts you do spot mold inside your house, then don’t neglect it in the hopes that it will somehow magically go away. Remember, when it comes to mold, the more you leave it alone, the more you’ll be giving it an opportunity to make itself at home.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
