Mold and mildew growth is a common problem faced by Indianapolis homeowners. Frequent floods and the humid climate of the city make the perfect environment for mold to thrive.
Not to mention, mold can severely affect the health of your family and damage your property. Thus, it is better to protect your property from it and maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
In this blog, we have listed helpful tips that will assist you in preventing mold growth in your home.
Six Tips To Prevent Mold Growth
1. Repair leaks or damages
Dampness and excess moisture is the primary cause of mold growth. Water leaking through pipes, gutters, roofs, ceilings, or any other area of your home might seem like a minor issue, but it can become a severe problem.
Check all the areas with leaks and fix them as soon as possible. Apart from that, also look after the appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines. Get them inspected and maintained by a technician regularly.
2. Treat the wet spills
In humid places like Indianapolis, it takes less than 48 hours for mold to start growing. To tackle this, address the spills as soon as they occur. Have a closed eye on porous surfaces like carpet, upholstery, and bedding.
Use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe the spill and soak the excess liquid. Then dry the affected area entirely to control the moisture buildup. You can turn on fans or use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process.
3. Maintain proper ventilation
Proper ventilation increases the fresh air flow and prevents mold growth. Air circulation also helps dry out the wet areas more quickly and control excess moisture.
Install exhaust fans in high moisture areas like the bathroom and kitchen. Also, make sure your air ducts are clean and your home ventilation system works efficiently.
4. Control indoor humidity level
Indoor humidity plays a crucial role in mold and mildew growth. You can’t control the excess moisture by controlling the indoor humidity. Invest in a hygrometer and keep an eye on humidity levels.
Keep the humidity between 50-60%. Consider using HVAC or dehumidifiers at the time of heavy rains or floods. Try to keep your home as dry as possible.
5. Keep the areas clean
Nothing will help you better than keeping your surrounding clean. Dirt and debris accumulated in your gutters, roof, and drains can also lead to mold growth.
Carry out regular cleaning of your gutters, roof, sidewalls, and the surrounding area of your home. Remove the trash and dispose it daily. Also, prevent water from pooling around your home.
6. Test for mold and treat it
Even after several precautions, if you observe dark spots, musty smells, or any other sign of mold, act fast. You can test the mold and treat it before it becomes a safety hazard.
If mold has just begun to grow, on the ceiling, walls, or floors, try to clean it with a solution of one cup of bleach and one-gallon water. Spray an adequate amount of solution on the affected area and wait for an hour. Then scrub the area and rinse with clean water. Make sure you wear a protective mask, gloves, and goggles while treating the mold.
