What are the Best Tips for Controlling Indoor Mold?

Indoor mold grows quickly and easily in almost any area of the house where moisture or water combines with oxygen. By controlling the moisture level inside a building, mold can be controlled or even prevented. Some tips to achieve this include fixing leaks in the plumbing, repairing roofs or gutters, or closing gaps in window fixtures or doors. If water does leak inside a building, the damp area should be cleaned and dried within 24 to 48 hours. In addition, if the humidity level of the building is kept under 60 percent, indoor mold may be controlled as well.

Leaks are a primary cause of indoor mold. Being aware of the signs of leaks, whether from pipes, roofs, toilets, windows, or doors, may do wonders to control it. One tip to identify the problem is to look for visible condensation on pipes or on a window; it may be a sign that moisture is entering the building. Once the source of the leak has been determined, it must be fixed to control the mold.

After the leak has been found and fixed, looking for damp spots in other areas is a good tip. For example, although a window may have been fixed, it is best to look at the carpet surrounding the window and the ceiling beneath that window for signs of dampness or indoor mold. It is possible for water to leak from its source and seep into a new area, creating more dampness and more mold.

Another tip to control indoor mold is to keep the humidity level of a building under 60 percent. This can be done by using a home dehumidifier or even by running an air conditioning unit. In addition, combustion appliances, such as dryers or stoves, create water vapor that works to raise the humidity level of a building. Consequently, these appliances should be vented to the outside of a building to keep humidity levels low. Other tips to keep the humidity level of a building low include venting bathrooms that contain bathtubs or showers to the outside and using an exhaust or opening a door or window when cooking or washing dishes.

Because of its ability to spread quickly, one of the best tips to control indoor mold is to clean thoroughly. Generally, damp areas should be cleaned and dried within 24 to 48 hours. This can be done through a soap and water solution or even a bleach and water solution. The area must be dried entirely before it can be considered clean. For large areas of dampness, a professional indoor mold cleaning service may be necessary.

Knowing where to use carpeting may be another helpful tip in efforts to control indoor mold. For example, carpeting should not be used in areas where moisture is inevitable, such as bathrooms or kitchens. It also should not be used on top of concrete floors, particularly in basements that are prone to moisture.