We all try our hardest to reduce in-home mold growth or mold exposure in our homes. Try as we might, mold can find its way in through our windows, vents, or heating/cooling systems without our knowledge. We ourselves can even bring it inside on our clothing or shoes – our pets can also be carrying culprits. That said, these uncontrollable factors can make it pretty difficult to avoid mold in our everyday lives but, luckily, there are ways to reduce your in-home mold growth.

Mold loves moisture. Without moisture, there’s no mold growth so it’s essential to keep your home dry and free from water. Mold also tends to thrive around leaks in roofs, windows, and pipes. Sometimes, you can even see it on surfaces, appearing like spots of many different colors with a musty smell. It can show on cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, paint, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, and fabric. But, despite our best efforts, it’s possible to still expose your home to mold and fuel growth accidentally. So, if you have mold, you’re going to want to remove it. Here are some tips for mold remediation, removal, and prevention so you can say goodbye to mold in your home.

Best Tips to Reduce In-Home Mold Growth

Invest in Healthy Air & Humidity Control

First things first, if you’re looking to get ahead of future mold issues, you must invest in Healthy Air. Poor air quality can impact your health in many ways so it’s important to control your home’s humidity while ensuring proper ventilation, and air purification. Without these solutions, your polluted indoor air can directly impact your home’s susceptibility to mold.

As a general rule of thumb, your home’s humidity should between 40-60%, while ventilation should be present in areas prone to high moisture, like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.

Build with Mold Resistant Materials

When building or remodeling a home, be sure your materials are resistant to mold. Whether you choose to use mold-resistant drywall or paint, these quick adaptations can help prevent mold and moisture control issues in your home.

Reduce In-Home Mold Spread

If you see something, do something. It doesn’t matter what kind of mold you have or how much there is. If you have any mold, it must be removed. Mold poses a direct threat to your home’s environment and air quality, as well as your family’s health. Plus, mold can spread…just think: when one slice of bread gets moldy, eventually all of them become spotted and spoiled in no time. So, be sure to dry any wet areas immediately to help slow the spread and growth. If you think there’s mold in your HVAC system, it’s best to stop running it so the mold doesn’t spread further into your home.

Best Tips for In-Home Mold Removal

 Should You Hire a Mold Inspector?

The CDC actually doesn’t recommend mold inspection. It can not only be costly but can become a long process. The best thing to do is forego the inspection process and have the mold removed regardless. Again, if you see mold, take the necessary steps to remove it.

Options for In-Home Mold Remediation and Removal

There are plenty of options when it comes to in-home mold remediation and removal. If the area you’re looking to treat is less than 10sqft, you should be able to complete the job by yourself. Mold can be removed from hard surfaces with household cleaning products, soap and water, or a bleach solution. General rules of thumb when embarking on DIY mold remediation:

• Use no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water
• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners, as the combination can create a poisonous gas
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
• Open doors and windows while using bleach; ensure proper ventilation
• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and protective eyewear during remediation efforts

If, for larger areas, you decide to call in a professional, be sure they’ve dealt with mold in the past. Plus, if you have any health concerns, it’s always best to consult with a pro before beginning cleanup.

Looking for more in-home mold remediation or removal tips? Let these tips help guide you through the process:

• If you suspect your carpeting or ceiling tiles are moldy, it’s best to throw them away rather than try to salvage them
• Don’t paint or caulk in an effort to cover up mold; instead, clean mold and dry the surface prior to making any improvements
• If you’re unsure how to repair or clean a moldy item, contacting a professional who specializes in furniture repair, restoration, or water damage may be beneficial
• Be sure you’re protecting yourself and your family from during the cleanup process by wearing the recommended material and following the outlined cleanup steps

Healthy Humidity plays a key role in our overall wellness. Just think…without it, your home could become a playground for in-home mold growth. Ensuring your home is filled with Healthy Air through humidification and ventilation efforts can keep your family happy and healthy in your home.

Reduce In-Home Mold Growth with AprilAire

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