How to Prevent Indoor House Mold
Mold is a fungus that forms in damp conditions. Mold is unsightly, creates a musty odor, damages fabrics, paper products and many other materials and, according to the EPA, may cause allergic reactions. Preventing mold, therefore, is wiser than waiting until after a problem has developed and treating it. Mold exists naturally and spores are very common. Keeping these spores from growing is the key to preventing mold. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Broom
- Vacuum
- Mop
- Floor cleaner
- Carpet shampoo foam or spray
- All-purpose cleaner
- Sponges
- Towels
- Fans
- Dehumidifier
Instructions
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Use a broom or vacuum (for carpeting) to keep floors well-swept or vacuumed and dry. Mold requires moisture and a food source--this can be simply particles of dust--to grow.
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Mop hard-surface floors regularly to remove grime that a broom cannot remove. Carpets should also be cleaned with a carpet shampoo occasionally to remove food debris and other particles that could attract mold growth.
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Use an all-purpose cleaner, or a cleaner specific for your countertops and tables, to clean away dirt, grease and other items that could attract mold. Dry countertops and tables with a clean towel.
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Use floor fans to circulate air, especially during and after a period of rainy or humid weather, and use exhaust fans when cooking or showering.
Water need not be visible on a surface for there to be mold--high amounts of moisture in the air (high humidity) is sufficient to cause mold growth, especially on fabric, including leather; paper products, including wallpaper; and porous surfaces such as cement.
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Place a dehumidifier in rooms that are difficult to keep dry--basements, even finished ones, are a very commonplace for mold growth indoors. A humidifier can prevent mold by lowering humidity so that mold cannot grow. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 30 to 50 percent and advises that you may buy a humidity meter, available at many hardware stores.
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Use anti-fungal cleaners in the bathroom and kitchen, or wherever else mildew--a form of mold--commonly develops. Avoid storing paper products and other easily molded items in these areas, including the basement.
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Vent humidity-raising appliances--such as the dryer and the stove, as the EPA advises--to the outdoors so the moisture does not remain inside. Discard items that are developing mold and cannot be washed--an example of this is cardboard boxes. Mold from these items can spread to other household surfaces.
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