Mold grows in many places in the home, including on carpets, wooden structures, stone walls, drywall, leaking pipes, and above the ceiling tiles. Here are the most important home maintenance tips to follow to prevent and remove mold from the house:
Prevent Moisture Buildup with Proper Ventilation
The three conditions that encourage the growth of mold are moisture, warmth and darkness. Proper ventilation in areas of the house like the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room will prevent these conditions. This is why it’s important to schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system, ensuring it is always in good working condition. You can also use dehumidifiers to remove any excess moisture in your house.
Deciding Whether to Keep or Throw Away
Mold can hide in upholstery and the underside of carpets and wall paper. If you notice mold on any of these surfaces, inspect them carefully to determine whether they can be cleaned and still be used without the mold returning. If you feel that the mold cannot be removed completely, it will be best to replace the materials entirely.
Eliminating Mold
Products such as bleach, vinegar, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide have been known to be effective in removing mold from various surfaces. Mix one of these liquids with water (as indicated on the product label) and clean the affected area. Half a teaspoonful of baking soda in a gallon of water also does a great job of eliminating mold from the house.
It is important to note that when you are cleaning a house that has mold, you should wear gloves, goggles, an aspirator, and other protective clothing for your safety. If you can, avoid mold killers that fall under the chemical category of biocides because they have been known to cause severe chemical reactions in people.
Get More Home Maintenance Tips from First Quality Roofing & Insulation
For more tips from the home maintenance experts at First Quality Roofing & Insulation, check out these blog posts:
- Home Maintenance 101: Things You Should Never Neglect in Your Home
- Keep Your Pipes from Bursting This Winter with These Home Maintenance Tips
- Why You Should Schedule a Roof Inspection This New Year
