Let’s be honest — every homeowner wants to avoid mold as much as possible. Not only can this fungus ruin the look of your home, but it can also pose a serious threat to your health. So, what should you do when you encounter mold?
Most people’s first instinct might be to open a window. However, is it really an effective method to get rid of mold? And if that’s the case, why is opening windows a good way to deal with mold?
When Opening Windows Does Not Help Against Mold
- The outside humidity is greater than 60%.– If you’re opening your windows and it’s very humid outside, it can create a condition where mold will continue to grow.
- During rains. Opening your windows during rain is another opportunity to increase your home’s moisture and humidity. And, as previously mentioned, it’s counterproductive as it will create the perfect environment for mold and mildew.
- You have visible mold growth present – If there is a visible growth, especially in an area greater than 10 square feet, the best bet is to keep still air so that the potential of mold in the air isn’t floating throughout the air. Set up a still containment until a professional can see it in person and make a determination on the best next steps.
Why Opening Windows Is Effective Against Mold
It goes without saying that mold spores thrive in warm, damp environments. Therefore, if you want to get rid of them and prevent mold growth, you’ll have to reduce the amount of moisture inside your home.
Opening the windows if it’s less humid outside will aid in kicking out the excess humidity in your home. This method is especially effective in rooms that are prone to mold growth due to excess moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. It’s commonly called, burping the building as an industry term, to open ups windows to let all humidity out quickly and 10 mins later close the windows.
Other Ways to Control Mold
It’s important to understand that opening your window is not always the most effective method. Fortunately, there are other things you can do to reduce humidity and mold:
- Buy a dehumidifier and make sure it maintains 30-50% year-round
- Don’t let clothes air-dry inside
- Find and fix leaks
- Make sure that your ventilation system is working
- Place charcoal bags, as they absorb moisture
- Talk to your local home garden center for advice on plants that are helpful to absorb moisture in the home
Humidity in your home will always equalize out, the humidity inside and outside will equalize. When you’re drying out a house that is completely saturated – if humidity is less outside than it is inside – you’re going to waste all of those efforts by simply opening the windows.
While mold can be pretty hard to get rid of, preventing it is extremely easy. Just make sure to keep your home’s humidity levels in check and you shouldn’t have to worry about mold growth. And always remember to call Mold Solutions, in case you are dealing with a severe mold infestation.
