Mold loves moisture, so keeping your home dry is key to keeping it at bay. Left unchecked, mold can cause allergies and asthma attacks. Here’s how you can prevent it from developing in the first place:
- Dry Damp Surfaces: After a shower, pat dry damp surfaces like bathroom tiles. Regularly wash your shower curtains, as mold spores can develop within 24 hours in wet conditions.
- Use Exhaust Fans: Run the exhaust fan in your bathroom after showering and in the kitchen when cooking.
- Heat Your Home: In winter, heat your home sufficiently to avoid condensation. Wipe dry any condensation around windows, and limit the use of a humidifier.
- Cover Cooking Pots: Cover your pots when cooking to reduce moisture.
- Seal Gaps: Seal any gaps around windows, doors, and electrical outlets to prevent moisture from entering.
- Fix Leaks: Immediately fix any leaky pipes or faucets.
- Use a Dehumidifier: Use a dehumidifier, and for convenience, get one that automatically turns on when humidity exceeds 60 percent.
- Ventilate: Open windows to circulate air when you’re not running your furnace or AC.
- Set Reminders: Set a reminder on your phone when doing laundry, so you don’t leave wet clothes in the washing machine or dryer.
- Use Mold-Resistant Products: When renovating, use mold-resistant materials like drywall and insulation.
Remember, preventing mold is much easier than getting rid of it, so it’s definitely worth the time and effort.