“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Benjamin Franklin.
When it comes to mold, it really is best to heed Benjamin Franklin’s advice. Given the right environment, mold can grow and spread very quickly. This is something you do not want to happen inside your home. If left unchecked, mold will become a health hazard and cause extensive damage to your home. Symptoms of mold exposure include runny nose, cough, itchy watery eyes, a headache, and even skin irritation.
If you think mold may be a problem in your home, call us to have a professional evaluation done. Afterall, knowing is half the battle. At MoldGone MC in the Phoenix Valley, we will provide a full inspection of your home and determine if any mold exists, as well as identify the source. If mold is detected, we offer a safe, minimal demolition process called dry fog to restore your home to a healthy place. Read more about it here.
If knowing is half the battle, prevention is the other half.
Here are 6 tips on how to prevent mold from growing in your home, recommended by the CDC and the EPA:
1. Keep humidity levels no higher than 50%.
You can do this by using a dehumidifier, running your air conditioner, or opening windows. If you are unsure of the humidity level in your home, you can buy a relatively inexpensive meter at a home improvement or hardware store to test humidity levels.
2. Vents should be directed to flow outside.
Dryers, ovens, and showers produce moisture when used. The moisture needs to be directed outside your home to not raise humidity levels. Make sure to use them when showering, cooking, and doing laundry.
3. Check your roof gutters.
Clean your roof gutters regularly and repair any issues promptly. Improperly functioning gutters will not drain water away from the home and can cause serious damage to your roof, siding, and other areas.
4. Pay special attention to your bathrooms.
The bathroom is a common source of moisture problems. Wiping your shower down after each use and hanging towels out to dry can help keep mold at bay. Cleaning your bathroom with mold-killing products can also help.
5. Keep an eye out for leaks in your home.
Fix any leaks in your home immediately. It only takes 24-48 hours for mold to start growing. Some common areas to check are around the toilet, sinks, other plumbing areas, and the roof of your home.
6. Act quickly in the event of a flood.
In the unfortunate event of a flood, it is extremely important to clean up the water and dry any affected areas as soon as possible. If wet or damp areas can be dried within 48 hours, they usually will not mold.
For more tips on how to prevent mold from growing in your home visit the CDC website and this EPA guide.
Contact Us
If you are experiencing symptoms of mold exposure or have reason to believe you have a mold problem, MoldGone MC, serving the Phoenix Valley and Maricopa County, is here to help. Don’t delay, call today! Or schedule an inspection online.
Image used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/20/2020) Andrea Piacquadio (Pexels)