Hiring someone for mold remediation can be costly, but it is extremely important if you do find extensive mold damage. While we are certainly to help you combat mold when you find it, you can also take steps to help prevent mold from happening. You may not be able to stop every moldy situation, but you have the potential to reduce the possibility. 

In all actuality, mold spores are in the air all around us all the time. While this can trigger allergies, they aren’t typically a hazard to your structure or materials at first. It’s when mold attaches to a surface and begins to grow that you really have an issue you’ve got to take care of. 

Taking steps to prevent mold growth from occurring will save you from the disaster of remediation and cleanup. Check out these tips to help! 

Moisture and Humidity Control

High humidity in your home or basement and crawlspace can lead to mold growth. Typically, the professional recommendation is that the humidity levels in your space stay within 40-50%. If the levels get too low, there are some risks, but if they exceed 50% then you might end up dealing with water damage and mold damage as well. 

Using an air conditioner typically helps manage humidity levels, but it’s not always enough. If your home feels sticky or humid, consider using a meter to determine humidity levels and take action if it is high. Moisture control systems and dehumidifiers can typically help keep humidity and excess moisture in check. 

Exhausts and Vents in Problem Areas

Kitchens and bathrooms are prone to extra moisture and condensation. Bathrooms experience a lot of water use in a small space, and kitchens often have condensation and heat from cooking or baking projects. Installing exhaust or vent fans into spaces like these can help prevent mold. 

Don’t Ignore Leaks

Whether you have a window that allows water in or a leak from a pipe or spot in the roof, you shouldn’t ignore it. When you have any kind of known leak or seepage, you need to take action immediately to get it fixed. Don’t just let a leak wreak havoc in your home or business. It will lead to water damage and likely mold damage as well. 

Deep Cleaning Practices

It’s a good idea to do some deep cleaning in your home on a regular basis. These deep cleaning processes can often help remove mold spores and prevent mold growth in certain areas. We recommend using professional cleaning companies for these things on a schedule that works for you:

• Carpet cleaning
• Mattress cleaning
• Upholstery cleaning
• Air duct cleaning

How often you have this done is based on your needs, but consider working it into your cleaning plans. Things like upholstery, mattresses, and carpets really should be professionally cleaned at least once a year. 

Move Quickly After Water Damage

If you experience water damage from flooding, a burst pipe, or another issue, you need to move quickly. Did you know that mold can grow in as little as 24 hours after flooding or water damage occurs? The sooner you can start cleaning and drying things out, the less likely you are to face mold from these issues. 

Call a water damage restoration company as quickly as possible so they can use their specialty equipment and knowledge to get your space drying and mitigate those damages. 

Use Mold-Killing Products

When you’re cleaning areas like your bathroom, it’s a good idea to use products that help to kill mold. There are several different items out there that can work for this purpose and many household cleaners that have these qualities. This will help prevent mold and mildew in places like your shower, and it’s a good way to be proactive. 

Manage Indoor Plants

If you have plants indoors, these can often lead to mold damage issues. While plants are a great way to improve air quality, they can also grow mold or have mold spores that detach and then supplant elsewhere. Simply take care with your plants and monitor them to watch for signs of mold. Keeping a close eye on your plants and taking action if you notice mold will go a long way to help here! 

Let ONEighty Solutions Help When You Need Mold Remediation

While being proactive and doing everything you can to prevent mold damage is ideal, things can still happen. When the unfortunate does occur and you’ve got mold damage to get rid of, we can help! 

Contact us today at ONEighty Solutions to get quick care when it comes to mold damage and other restoration needs. We’re here to help, and our certified and trained teams will go above and beyond to get you taken care of.