Because mold loves damp and enclosed spaces, it’s quite common to find it in pipes and drains. The issue is made worse by the fact that you can’t easily see down these and notice when something’s wrong.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to stop mold from growing and causing damage to your home and health. However, keep in mind that these are mostly preventative measures. If you suddenly notice a moldy smell inside your home — call a professional immediately.
Clean on a Regular Basis
Arguably the most important part of mold prevention is cleaning your pipes and drains regularly. It’s also the cheapest and simplest way of keeping your home mold-free. Simply pour boiling water down the drain and clean around it to prevent mold spores from latching onto the moisture in your home.
Improve the Airflow
Because mold feeds off humidity, making sure your home has a good supply of fresh air is paramount. You can open your windows to let the stale air out whenever the weather conditions are optimal.
If you live in a rainy area, though, you can turn on your ceiling fans instead. Additionally, if you don’t already have one, you can purchase a standing fan to improve air circulation.
Open Your Bathroom Window
Mold commonly grows in bathroom pipes and drains, but it’s easy to prevent it from growing there. Keep your bathroom exhaust vent on and windows open whenever you can to decrease the moisture in the air. If you don’t have a window in your bathroom, you can leave the door and a nearby window open.
Use Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers are great for removing moisture from the air and can help you combat high levels of humidity and mold. They’re not expensive, and you can use them in your bathroom, basement, and other damp areas.
DIY Hacks
There are a few DIY hacks you could use for your pipes if you notice mold growth just in time. For example, you could try pouring baking soda and boiling water or vinegar down the drain. Another option is to place silica gel packs or house plants around your home to absorb the moisture from the air.
The best thing about using these hacks is that all of the stuff you’d need is eco-friendly and cheap.
Warning Signs
If you’re constantly breathing in mold, you can develop some serious health issues. Pay attention to common symptoms that may come about when there’s mold nearby — sneezing, coughing, and skin rashes. Better yet, to err on the side of caution, see a doctor and have a professional inspect your home for mold. Often times, early mold exposure symptoms will be similar to that of allergies.
Final Thoughts
There are quite a few remedies readily available to you if you notice mold growth just in time. You can use drain cleaners as a precaution or some other method we have listed in this article. As said, it’s always better and easier to focus on preventing mold growth than to treat it later on.
Still, even if the mold in your home has gotten a bit out of hand, know that it’s not the end of the world. If you notice any warning signs, or you can’t deal with it on your own, call Mold Solutions — we can make your home healthy again.
