Condensation and mold can turn into a big problem. Where there is moisture, there is likely to be mold. Eliminating mold growth at the source is important for keeping your home and family safe and healthy.
Condensation occurs most commonly in the winter when heat and humidifiers are used, adding extra moisture to the air in your home. However, condensation can occur in your home at any time of the year, particularly in areas that have frequent excess moisture, such as the bathroom. Condensation and mold go hand-in-hand. If not addressed, condensation can quickly turn into a black mold problem.
How to Stop Condensation
To stop condensation in your home, you need to eliminate excess moisture. You can do this by keeping windows dry, using vents and fans in the bathroom and around the oven, and running a dehumidifier. Be sure all of the thermostats in your home are set at the same temperature.
Managing your home’s humidity level is key to preventing moisture buildup. Check your humidity level before adjusting with a dehumidifier or humidifier. The humidity level in your home should stay between 30% and 50%. Ventilation and insulation help determine how well your home manages humidity. Having your home inspected for adequate ventilation and insulation could be a long-term solution to the problem.
How to Stop Mold
Addressing condensation and excess moisture is the best way to stop mold at the source, but there are additional steps you can take to prevent black mold from becoming a problem in your home.
Walls are a common place for mold to grow, especially in damp areas such as the bathroom or basement. Scrub walls with a one-to-three parts bleach and water mixture, then let it dry completely. If your walls are porous, have crevices, or are unpainted, you may need to clean more extensively to ensure further growth doesn’t occur. In areas that may be prone to mold growth, you can paint your walls with anti-mold and anti-condensation paint to help prevent this problem.
In bathrooms, it is important to remove and replace any sealant or caulking that may have been affected by mold. If any mold remains in the space, it will quickly spread again. Utilize fans, vents, and keep bathroom doors and windows open as much as possible to circulate warm air. Basements should be thoroughly searched for mold, which could mean taking out anything stored there. Fully cleaning a basement of mold may require spraying the surfaces with bleach and water multiple times. Do not bring anything back into the space until it is dry and you’re sure there isn’t mold remaining.
Stopping condensation and mold from becoming a problem in your home is important to your health. Don’t clean mold on your own if it puts you at risk of major health problems.
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