Mold growth is a serious issue that is often undermined by homeowners. For some reason, either homeowners are not familiar with the signs or are familiar but choose to ignore them assuming they will go away on their own. The problem with mold growth is that not only is it airborne and can cause respiratory issues but also results in ruining the walls, ceilings, floors, and damages the furniture and expensive decorative items. When it sets in, you will need to consider mold remediation before the infestation becomes severe. Most people are also not aware of the fact that it is a lot easier to prevent it than to fix it. So, we will discuss common habits that lead to increased mold growth so that you avoid these habits.
Allowing Wet Items To Stay Damp
One of the biggest reasons and concerns when it comes to mold growth in the house is allowing wet items to stay damp. The problem is that people tend to keep wet items inside the laundry room or the house, not allowing them to dry outside.
This might seem a minor issue but the consequences are quite big. With time, moisture accumulates and causes damage to the furniture and other electronic items. The worst thing about moisture accumulation is that it promotes mold growth.
Sooner than later, you will come across signs and symptoms that will point toward the fact that mold is taking place. From the outside, you might see a wall with some spots on it and it may be left ignored but you never know how long it has been.
You won’t be able to estimate the extent of mold growth by looking at it from the outside. You will have to check behind the walls or other areas to see how serious the issue is. That said, you should let the clothes dry in the open air even after drying them in the machine.
Keeping stacks of wet clothes in the house will always have consequences. You have to leave the clothes out to dry properly before you can bring them in.
Neglecting Proper Ventilation
Ignoring proper ventilation is another issue that needs to be considered. Areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, attics, and others should be properly ventilated. You need to keep in mind that improper ventilation supports and gives room to mold growth.
To prevent mold growth in these situations, it is essential to have proper ventilation so that the air can remove moisture. You don’t necessarily have to spend on expensive electronic items and all. Simply make sure to keep the exhaust fan on and some windows open to improve ventilation.
Not Considering Airflow During And After Showering
You might have observed people jumping straight into the shower in the steam without opening any doors or windows to allow ventilation. Not having an airflow accumulates moisture and promotes mold growth. The best way to prevent mold growth in these situations is to turn on the bathroom exhaust fan before getting in the shower.
Plus, you should also make it a habit to turn on the exhaust fan for at least 10-15 minutes after showering to ensure moisture escapes. If there is no way for the moisture to escape, it will accumulate in the corners of the bathroom and will cause mold to grow. If you notice mold, hire mold removal Silver Spring services to get rid of it.
Cooking Without Using Fans
Another common problem that leads to mold growth is cooking without fans. Cooking or boiling water in the kitchen significantly contributes to mold in the home. Steam rising from hot pots and meals being prepared adds a lot of moisture to the air, which causes condensation.
So, if the area is not properly ventilated, the steam will eventually lead to dampness and mold forming especially during the winter months. This is why the kitchen extractor needs to be turned on to keep the condensation to a minimum.
At the same time, you should also open your windows for a while in the humid season to allow cross ventilation and prevent moisture accumulation.
Leaving Clutter Around
You will hardly come across any house, apartment, or some other living space that does not have clutter around. Considering the ever-increasing rents and property prices, it is becoming a lot more difficult for people to afford accommodations.
As a result, the accommodations are becoming smaller and even if there is sufficient space for people living inside, it is made even more congested by some bad habits such as cluttering. Having clutters of shoes, clothes and other items around the house leads to moisture trapping.
Not only that, but it also restricts the airflow. So, do not be surprised if your living space begins to smell weird after a few days. You have to be a bit careful about the airflow in the living space to ensure things do not go bad otherwise.
Not Servicing Your HVAC System Before Switching Between Heating And Cooling
If you have an HVAC system installed in the house, you need to be a bit careful when using it as well. If you were to switch from heat to air conditioning due to seasonal changes, it would increase the chances of mold growth in the house.
Condensation can build up on the coils, which is an ideal situation for microbial growth. Once the growth has established, the contaminated HVAC will blow and circulate mold spores throughout the home, which will lower the indoor air quality.
This is why experts recommend getting the HVAC system regularly inspected and maintained by a professional. The technician will take a look for not only mold growth but also technical issues. This helps avoid expensive repairs and replacements as well while prolonging the lifespan of the unit.
Not Opening Curtains During The Day
Another important factor you need to keep in mind about mold growth is that it strives in dark and warm environments. This means that if you tend to keep your curtains closed during the day, there is a chance for mold to grow. Keeping the curtains closed blocks the entry of natural light.
Plus, this will also keep the space warmer by blocking ventilation. So, make sure that you keep the curtains open for a certain period of time especially during the bright sunny winter days.
Making Dehumidifier Mistakes
While dehumidifiers can control mold and dampness and also help maintain humidity levels, using them the wrong way can also have a negative impact. For instance, placing the dehumidifier in the wrong location too far away from the source of moisture impedes its performance.
The dehumidifier is not able to remove moisture from the air and allows mold-friendly conditions to persist.
Plus, not maintaining your dehumidifier also promotes mold growth. So, while maintenance and proper usage of dehumidifiers is one thing, the settings are another.
Leaving it unnecessarily turned on will lead to dry conditions. Simply follow the instructions and tips mentioned in the unit or consult an expert.
Conclusion
Preventing mold growth is not that difficult. All you need to do is develop good habits by following the tips mentioned above. Remember, mold growth always takes place due to minor factors but will cause serious issues. So, you have to be cautious and not let mold growth factors take place anywhere in the house. Sometimes, it can be caused due to water damage. It that case, consult water damage restoration Rockville companies.
