College season is here and it’s time for college students to move back into their dorms and apartments. The new school year brings many experiences and opportunities with it; new classes, new organizations to join, a higher workload and if you’re not careful, mold. The issue of mold growing in dorms is more prevalent than you might think. In the past year, there have been reports of colleges dealing with mold in residential buildings. In these situations, students often end up having to evacuate their dorms and temporarily live somewhere else. This can cause stress to students already dealing with a myriad of other problems. However, there’s no need to worry because the team at RestoPros have some easy tips to protect your dorm or university apartment from mold.
1. Don’t Let Food Spoil
If you’re a college student, chances are you have probably overestimated how many fruits you will eat during the week or how much salad you will eat for lunch. This often leads to spoiled or moldy food taking up space in your fridge.
When grocery shopping, don’t overestimate how much food you will eat. Be smart about how much food you will consume during the week by planning out your meals. If you buy food in bulk, chances are you might end up with spoiled food, which can be a waste of your money.
Prevent food from spoiling by storing items in the fridge correctly because different areas of the fridge have different humidity or temperature settings. In addition, take a few minutes every weekend to do a quick scan of your fridge, kitchen or dorm for any spills or spoiling food. If you notice any, dispose of it by placing it in a garbage bag and throwing it in a regular trash container. Clean the surrounding area by using some wipes or some diluted vinegar.
2. Don’t Leave Damp Items Around
Mold requires moisture and humidity to grow. In excessively damp areas, mold starts to spread between 24-48 hours. Keep items dry to prevent the ideal environment for mold growth. When you’re done using your towels after a shower, don’t throw them in the hamper or the floor. Hang them to dry for a few hours before storing them appropriately.
The same goes for damp bathroom mats or clothing—make sure to wash and clean these items and dry them properly.
3. Consider a Dehumidifier for Your Dorm
In addition to bringing the basics such as food, clothes and books, many college students bring items and appliances that make their college life more comfortable. Consider bringing a small, portable dehumidifier for your dorm this fall, especially if your college is in a humid climate. A dehumidifier can be a great investment if you live in an environment that is prone to mold and mildew – or if you’re susceptible to indoor allergens that are present in humid environments.
4. Report Any Leaks
As a college student, the last thing you want to even think about is a leak in your bathroom, AC or in your roof. However, it’s important to report these leaks and get them looked at as soon as you notice them, because the problems they cause can be even greater. If you’re in a dorm, your college most likely has maintenance staff for on-campus housing who can fix the leaks. If you’re in a university apartment, you might have to get in touch with your property manager or with the apartment’s offices.
Worried About Finding Mold in Your Dorm? Call us Today!
Finding mold in your dorm can be especially frustrating for a busy, stressed college student. RestoPros is here to ease your frustration—we offer a variety of services such as mold remediation, mold testing and water damage restoration. Get in touch with our experts today by calling 855-587-3786 or by scheduling a service on our website!