How to Prevent Mold in the House

Mold loves to grow in dark, moist areas and your home is no exception.  Controlling moisture levels and properly ventilating areas of the home that are most vulnerable to mold growth, including basements and attics, can go a long way to preventing any mold from forming.  Once mold has begun, it can be a challenge to remove.  Mold spores, invisible to the naked eye, can become airborne and spread to other areas of the home and cause health issues.  The best option is to take necessary action now to prevent mold growth in the home before it can begin.

Control Humidity Levels to Prevent Mold Growth

Moisture-prone areas with limited sunlight make optimal conditions for mold growth.  These conditions are often seen in basements or poorly ventilated attics, where mold can easily grow and thrive in dark corners unnoticed.  In the summer, humidity levels left unchecked can run high indoors.  This can put your home at risk for mold growth.

Many HVAC units equipped with central air conditioning have a humidity setting.  Your system will do the work for you, taking the excess moisture out of the air of the home.  Dehumidifiers can be strategically placed in areas of the home to lower the humidity.  Placing a dehumidifier in the basement or attic can go a long way to reducing humidity levels and preventing mold from forming.

After a Flood, Remove Standing Water and Excess Moisture Immediately

If there is a flood in the home, it is critical that any standing water should be immediately removed.  This may involve employing a shop-vac or a pump to suck up the water.  You can also do this with old-fashioned buckets, but this is not as effective or expeditious.  In many cases, the flooring will also need to be taken up, particularly in the case of carpeting, in order to remove all the excess moisture and allow the room to dry out.

Once the standing water has been removed, the moisture levels will still be extremely high.  Flooring, drywall and even woodwork can quickly absorb moisture after a flood.  These high humidity levels can lead to big problems with mold growth.  It is important to dry the area as efficiently as possible.  For this step, ventilation is key.  Open any doors and windows to allow the air to circulate.  Dehumidifiers can help to speed up the process, particularly industrial sized units that are best suited for a flooded area. If you need assistance drying out your

Properly Ventilate Areas that are Susceptible to Mold

Problem areas of the home that have consistently high levels of humidity should be addressed.  If the area is poorly ventilated, such as an attic, this can become a prime place for mold growth.  Placing rafter vents in the ceiling can help to get the air circulating, reducing the potential for mold growth.

Taking these steps and staying vigilant about unchecked moisture and high humidity levels in your home can go a long way to preventing mold growth.

About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woodard Cleaning & Restoration was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard services the greater metro area (Illinois, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and many more). Woodard is proud to serve as the preferred provider for cleaning & restoration services. Our cleaning services include carpet, hard surface, furniture, and rug cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide water, fire, board-up, storm and smoke restoration services for residential and commercial clients. For information or questions submit a form online or call us at (314) 227-3932.

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Updated 5/3/2021