Mold: Everything You Need to Know
Mold is a very little organism that is an integral part of our lives. It can grow on our food and clothes and is present in different parts of our home. Mold spores are air-born, and we can inhale them as they are part of the air. The interference of molds in our lives is not new; they have been growing with humans for thousands of years and cause problems for us in different ways. However, now humans have acquired new technology and methods to eliminate this ancient enemy.
This article discusses the journey of molds in our home. Where did it come from? How does it grow in different parts of our homes, and what are the conditions where they thrive? It will help you understand the origin of the problem, and you will be able to remove it from the cause.
How do molds invade houses?
Mold is a small organism that loves dark and moisture. Sunlight can destroy this little creature, so it grows in areas with no light or very low. It also requires a supply of moisture to grow. If there is a leakage in the plumbing system or moisture in the air, it will be enough for mold growth. If there is any dark, moist spot in your house, you can easily spot mold growth. These are the most susceptible places for its growth.
How is mold harmful to us?
Molds are harmful to humans in two ways. Firstly, they can cause infection in our body when inhaled and ingested. They can cause breathing issues and stomach problems. Secondly, molds can damage your house in different ways. They can grow in furniture cracks, around plumbing systems, and at any damp place in your house. They can destroy your furniture, and it will look ugly. It can also damage your antique decorative items. It can also damage metal and wooden pieces. In short, mold can infect everything in your house. Mold spreads very easily and grows very fast so that the infection can be widespread within days.
How to control molds?
Complete elimination of molds is nearly impossible. However, as they can’t grow without moisture, you can restrict their growth if you control the level of dampness in your home. If you can already see them growing, a complete clean-up is the first step, and then you can fix the moisture issue to prevent further growth. If the moisture is not controlled, mold will return even after clean-up.
It is very important to understand how you can control mold growth in your home. Here we are discussing some tips that can help you restrict their growth in different home areas.
In common areas of the home
- Using an air conditioner and dehumidifier can stop mold growth, particularly in hot and humid climates. If air moisture reduces, mold growth will also reduce.
- Try to keep the humidity level less than 60%. You can buy a hygrometer for this purpose, easily available at hardware stores and at affordable prices.
- Clean the drip pans of AC regularly. Drain lines should also be clean and must allow the quick flow of water.
- Try to reduce the condensation of windows, floors, and walls. You can use insulation for this purpose.
- If an area gets wet, dry it as soon as possible to avoid mold growth.
- Fix seepage and leakage in every part of the house. Avoid the entry of water into your house from outside. Different landscaping options are available for this purpose.
- Check your heating and cooling system regularly; you can hire professionals for this purpose. Proper functioning of the system will remove humidity from the house. If the system is inefficient, it will not serve its purpose. Ask the contractor to check the system and ducts as well. Ducts must be leak-proof, proper size, and airflow should be proper for every room.
- Ensure that air circulation is good in your house and keep the door open. The use of fans can also serve the same purpose.
In kitchen
- Keep the exhaust fan on when working in the kitchen to throw moisture out.
- If you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces, turn off some appliances.
- Keep an eye on leaks near the kitchen sink, ice maker, and other water sources. Check the refrigerator and try to clean it regularly. If there is any leakage, fix it as soon as possible.
In basement
- Crawl spaces should be well ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture.
- Avoid carpeting in the basement; use rugs and concrete floors to avoid moisture-related issues.
- Regularly check the floor for leakage and repair whenever necessary. Basement floors and walls are some common entry points for water and moisture.
- Gutters should be properly working, and landscaping should not direct the water toward the home.
- Avoid the use of wallboard in the basement. However, if it is very dry, you can use it.
In laundry room
- The vent of the cloth dryer should be outside.
- Vent dust should be clear from any restriction and ensure proper airflow. Regular cleaning is a must for this duct.
- Don’t leave damp clothes in the laundry basket and dryer. Dry them soon after washing.
In bathrooms
- The bathroom must have an exhaust fan to remove moisture; however, it should not be in the attic but outside.
- Instead of carpet, use area rugs.
- Check basins and tubs for leaks and repair them as soon as you notice them.
- Keep a window open when showing to avoid the accumulation of moisture.
- Don’t leave a damp towel on the floor or laundry hamper.
Mold is damaging, and it’s very important to get rid of it for your health and the safety of your home. However, if you are careful and take some time to restrict its growth, you can easily win the battle against mold. The most important thing is to fix the leaks and proper functioning of the air conditioning system. If your AC system is good, it will not let the moisture accumulate, and you can quickly get rid of mold issues.
About Century Air Conditioning & Heating
Century Air Conditioning & Heat was established in 1986. We’re a family owned and operated HVAC contractor in Orlando, FL. For over 36 years, we’ve been a trusted source for air conditioning equipment, heating equipment and related services. Century is an A+ BBB accredited business.
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