Dandelions run rampant in my front yard starting around this time of year and continuing on into the summer if my husband isn’t careful. He spends a good chunk of his time outdoors beginning in the spring taking the proper steps to have our yard looking tip-top by the time summer really gets here.
If you look at mold prevention the same way you see weeds in your yard, you’ll be ahead of the curve and will save yourself a headache in the long-run. Mold can pop up unexpectedly but fortunately, there are a few tips and tricks you can take to lower the chances of a mold invasion.
Household Spot Check
Before you can tackle the prevention part of your mold plan, you need to do a run-through of your house to make sure there isn’t already mold growing.
If you have a basement, start there. Look for any discoloration on your walls, but if you happen to store any types of fabrics, carpets, or old curtains down there, look over those as well. Mold is not a picky eater and can see a feeding source in many common household items.
Next, pay attention to any sort of musty odors. Mold has a very distinct smell. If it’s in your basement, lots of times you’ll be able to identify it by its distinct damp and musty odor.
After the basement, head to the top of your house and look around your attic. Temperature swings in the spring can cause a great deal of moisture buildup so look closely for any leaks, or spots of moisture. Also check for signs of animals nesting in your attic. If they can get in, it’s a sure sign moisture can as well.
Once you’ve given your house the all-clear on mold growth, we can move on to the prevention side of things.
Household Mold Prevention
Unfortunately, there isn’t a magic spell available to keep your house mold-free forever, but there are a few things you can do on your own to help your cause.
First, repair any and all leaks you might find in your house. This can vary from minor leaks around your bathroom faucets all the way to leaks in your roof. Mold’s main partner in crime is moisture so if it is present, there’s a good chance mold has found a feeding source nearby.
Second, make sure your house has good ventilation. Poor ventilation can lead to humidity and moisture in the small nooks and crannies of your foundation and walls. This is especially important because even if mold does get into the tiny crevices within your house, it doesn’t mean you’re going to be able to see it right away.
Finally, if you’re storing anything in your basement such as old furniture, curtains, extra carpet, or old clothing, keep it away from the walls and possible areas of moisture. Mold can land on these items and find an almost endless food supply. It isn’t always the walls of our house we have to watch out for, but the fabric within our house too.
Calling the Pros
If you do happen to find household mold growing somewhere in your house and don’t know how to deal with it yourself, give us a call. Our team of professional and certified mold removal specialists are more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Contact us today!
