Mold is one of those household issues that occur anywhere and in any climate. However, humid climates are the worst for encouraging mold growth. Humidity creates the perfect conditions for mold to thrive, grow, and spread. Mold loves moisture, and humidity and rain can provide a lot of moisture. When the climate is humid, it also means that the temperatures are usually high. High temperatures help encourage mold spore reproduction.
This combination of moisture and high temperatures can lead to major mold troubles as time goes on. Your property can be damaged, and you or your family could suffer from serious health issues related to exposure to mold. Removing mold is very difficult, not to mention dangerou. Your best option is to try and prevent growth altogether. This can be hard in humid climates, but certainly not impossible.
You cannot simply prevent the spores that lead to mold from getting into your home. They are present in any outdoor environment, and will come in any time you open a door or a window. There is also always something for them to feed on, such as wood and carpet. The best option is to create conditions in your home that are hostile to the mold spores and that will prevent them from growing. Here are some tips to help.
Ventilation
Mold spores are delicate, but once they take hold they can be stubborn. Stale air is a perfect condition for mold spores to breed and develop. Thus, you should try to get as much fresh air circulating throughout the home as possible. Along with keeping your windows open, you can also make sure that interior doors are open to let air circulate. Keeping furniture away from walls will also help with air flow.
Condensation
Condensation is a prime breeding ground for mold. It can accumulate on windows, pipes, concrete walls, and many other places in your home. To reduce it, keep the temperature in your home higher while keeping the humidity level low. Good insulation will help with this. You can also make use of a dehumidifier in certain rooms. If you do spot condensation, make sure to dry it right away.
Mold Resistant Materials and Products
Certain materials are more resistant to mold than others. Plastic, metal, and glass do not provide environment for mold spores to thrive. Tile and laminate floors also repel mold spores. You can also install mold-resistant drywall. There are also paints that are manufactured with components that kill mold spores and inhibit growth.
Cleaning and Dusting
Putting in some elbow grease will also go a long way to preventing mold. Dirt and grime can be a bountiful food source for mold spores. Wash and disinfect all surfaces in your home on a regular basis. The kitchen and bathroom are especially important spots to keep clean. Vacuum your upholstery and rugs regularly as well. Around 80% of mold grows on dust, so the less dust in your home, the better. Besides vacuuming, you should have your carpets and upholstery cleaned at least once a year.
Control the Humidity
Luckily, with technology, we can control the climate in our homes to prevent humidity and keep mold at bay. Your air conditioner should be the right size for your home. If your system is too robust, it will stop too often and have trouble keeping your temperature and humidity levels stable. 70 degrees seems to be an idea temperature for humidity prevention as well.
If you live in a climate that is humid, mold prevention is very important. It may be difficult, but mold can cause serious damage to your property and to the health of your family. Get your family breathing easier with these tips.