How to Control Mold in Homes
- 1). Ventilate your home. Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom. Clean exhaust fans to ensure they are actually venting moisture. In addition to this, crack windows in your home when possible to encourage air flow. This inhibits mold because it lessens moisture.
- 2). Check the vent for your clothing dryer. It should be vented to the outside your home. It should also be cleaned regularly to prevent lint from building up. This, like ventilation, inhibits a build-up of moisture.
- 3). Keep the humidity in your home between 40 to 60 percent. Avoid using a humidifier unless absolutely necessary. The CDC recommends using a dehumidifier in moist areas of your home, such as the basement, to help control mold. They also recommend using an air conditioner during humid months.
- 4). Repair leaks in your roof, pipes or interior walls and ceiling. The CDC recommends that you dry and clean-up moisture from leaks and floods within 24 to 48 hours. Anything that cannot be dried within this timeframe should be replaced.
- 5). Clean areas prone to mold growth with mold killing products like bleach. Use a protective mask when cleaning up mold and mildew.
- 6). Consider repainting bathrooms and kitchens with paint that inhibits mold growth. Also consider replacing carpeting with hard floors in areas of your home that are prone to moisture.
- 7). Reduce excess condensation build up. The EPA recommends that you insulate your roof, pipes, windows, exterior walls and floors to prevent condensation from gathering
Source...