Ways to Control Humidity and Prevent Mold Growth
Updated: Feb 22, 2019
We view our homes as a safe haven, an escape from the pressures of work, to-do lists, etc. So what happens when our home is no longer safe because of mold?
Most likely you are all too familiar with the dangers of mold and with all the information available, it can either be completely confusing or provide the answers you’ve been looking for. There are about a dozen different types of mold that are commonly found in homes, but how do you decipher one from the other? Some molds are toxic, others merely are not life-threatening, but cause allergic reactions, but bottom line, mold is never good unless you’re benefitting from it in the form of penicillin or enjoying it in the form of brie or blue cheese.
So often we read about mold and how it can take over your home, but the fact is that mold requires a combination of warmth, a source of food, and moisture. It doesn’t appear out of the blue, therefore, mold can be prevented when effort is focused on resolving certain issues. One main issue is the presence of humidity.
Humidity, no matter how much or how little, can set the stage for mold development; therefore, the first step in preventing mold growth is by controlling humidity. Below are a few tips on how you can control humidity in your home.
Humidifiers: Humidifiers help replace moisture in the air during the winter months when the heat is being constantly used; producing dry air, but they typically produce more humidity than necessary. If you notice condensation on your windows or doors, there is an ample supply of humidity in the home, which can quickly fuel an environment for mold development. What happens when condensation falls into the cracks and crevices of the seams between your walls and floors? It can soak through, making its way below the surface and create the perfect breeding ground for mold. You don’t necessarily have to banish your humidifier, but keep check on the condensation that develops inside your home and adjust the humidity setting accordingly.
Steamy Bathrooms: Who doesn’t enjoy a long, hot shower to wash away the stresses of the day or the achiness of sore muscles. However, hot showers can quickly increase the humidity levels in the bathroom and if there is no way it to escape, the moisture will remain in the room. In order to prevent this, be sure your bathrooms have proper ventilation so the excess humidity can be routed outside of the home once you’ve finished your at-home spa treatment.
Be Mindful of Surfaces: Mold can develop on a variety of paper and fabric surfaces. To help prevent its growth, avoid storing clothing or towels in areas of high humidity.
When working on solutions for humidity control inside your home, keep in mind that ventilation systems should be routed outside rather than the attic. As this will only make the attic susceptible to mold growth.
For recommendations on how to control humidity and prevent mold growth, schedule a consultation with Albany Mold.
