Unhealthy levels of moisture inside your home can result in various problems later on if left unattended. The most common problem from the accumulated humidity levels is the development of molds. Molds are unsightly to look at, especially in shower curtains, basement floor, kitchen drains, or anywhere visible in one’s eyes.
However, there is much more of a problem to molds than just being unsightly. Molds jeopardize you and your family’s health. This fungus causes illness, especially to the members that have allergies or asthma. Other than that, mold exposure can irritate your nose, lungs, throat, and even your skin.
If you have moisture problems, you might want to look at services such as vochtbestrijding for help. However, it would help to do your part against the molds. Here’s what you can do to control mold growth at home.
Control Moisture
Controlling your home’s moisture is an obvious yet crucial step in controlling mold growth inside your house. Since molds thrive in environments with high humidity levels, what you need to do as a first step is to control the moisture.
The recommended relative humidity for health and comfort in one’s home is about 40-50 percent. For those homeowners who are in places that have winter seasons, the ideal relative humidity may have to be lower than 40 percent to avoid condensation.
To control moisture, you should invest in dehumidifiers and air conditioners to reduce moisture in the air. You may also want to install exhaust fans in places where humidity accumulates rapidly, such as in the bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics.
Repair Any Household Leaks
Needless to say, any leaks will cause water to escape from pipes, valves, and other plumbing fixtures. As such, a wet surface will be a perfect niche for molds to grow. Thus, make sure that you check your plumbing fixtures now and then to see if there is any form of leaking.
In case you found yourself with a broken pipe or valve, call an expert or professional to repair it correctly. Unless you know how to fix a broken pipe, it is better to call on the professionals to avoid further problems.
Invest in a Vapor Barrier
Vapor barriers are an essential component in building construction since it prevents condensation from forming in one’s walls, roof, foundations, and floor. Not only that, but vapor barriers can also improve energy efficiency and comfort while preventing moisture and mold problems.
Thus, it would be best if you invest in vapor barriers for your home, especially in areas like the basement or attic to prevent moisture problems and mold growth. Additionally, if you install new flooring, make sure you install a vapor barrier on the sub-level to reduce the moisture levels from the exposed dirt.
Clean Molds Thoroughly
Since molds can be seen on any surface, you should have proper knowledge or cleaning habits to control mold. For instance, your household appliances such as washers and refrigerators combine moisture and heat, which feeds mold, needs frequent cleaning. In cleaning washers, you can run a hot water cycle with chlorine bleach at least once a month.
For coffee makers and refrigerators, cleaning these items with distilled white vinegar removes and inhibits mold growth. In addition, since the bathroom is an area loved by the molds, you can clean your tiles and grout by mold cleaners or cleaning it with water and bleach. Keep the solution in the moldy area for at least 15 minutes before scrubbing or rinsing should you choose the latter.
Opt for Mold Inhibitor Paints
Many people assume that a new coat of paint will solve their problems regarding molds. However, that is a wrong assumption since simply painting over surfaces with molds cannot kill mold spores, or even prevent it from spreading. But what if there’s a paint that can help out by painting it over?
Mold feeds on materials like wood and drywall, which eats away the structures in your home that result in severe structural damage. It would be best to opt for mold inhibitor paints since it resists mold growth due to its antimicrobial ingredients.
Keep in mind that you should use mold-resistant paint in places where moisture and molds are rampant. Areas in your home, such as the kitchen, basement, and attics, are top common places where mold thrive. Lastly, you should not paint over molds even with this type of paint since it might get worse— what you should do is clean the surface and let it dry then paint it over.
Takeaway
Molds are unsightly and are an annoying problem that every homeowner has faced. Thus, it would help if you were always prepared to know how to control mold growth at your home. Knowing things as discussed above will help you keep your family and house secure, comfortable, and have a healthy living.