Reducing Moisture in Your Home and Mold Growth

6/20/2019 (Permalink)

Reducing Moisture in Your Home and Mold Growth

It's impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores in your home, but because mold spores can't grow without moisture, reducing moisture in your home is the best way to prevent or eliminate mold growth. If there is already mold growing in your home, it's important to clean up the mold and fix the problem causing dampness. If you clean up the mold but don't fix the problem, the mold will most likely return.

Following is some advice for reducing moisture throughout the home with specific tips for the areas most prone to dampness and mold growth:

• Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air.
• Keep indoor humidity below 60% if possible. You can measure relative humidity with a hygrometer, an inexpensive instrument available at many hardware stores.
• Keep air conditioning drip pans clean. Make sure drain lines are free of obstructions and flow properly.
• Keep the house warm in cool weather. As the temperature goes down, the air is less able to hold moisture and it condenses on cold surfaces, which can encourage mold growth.
• Add insulation to cold surfaces, such as exterior walls, floors, and windows to reduce condensation.
• Dry wet areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
• Fix leaks and seepage. The ground should slope away from your house. If water is entering the house from the outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing.
• Have a heating and cooling contractor check your heating and cooling system to make sure it's sized and operating properly to remove humidity.
• Open doors between rooms to increase circulation, which carries heat to cold surfaces. Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners.

Source: WebMD Online.  Jan 2019