summertime mold prevention tips

Texas summer is in full swing which means the temperature and humidity is incredibly high. During these months, mold can be an unwanted visitor, creeping up around the walls of your kitchen, bathroom and areas prone to moisture. Mold is a fungus that is attracted to damp areas and reproduces by making spores. If it is not taken care of earlier, it can be difficult to remove in addition to causing health problems for you and your family. If you’re not sure how to take measures to prevent mold from infesting your home, don’t worry. The experts at RestoPros are here to help you and give you some summertime mold prevention tips!

Maintain Your Home’s Humidity

Where there is moisture build up, there is potential for mold. During the summer months, mold has a higher chance of growing inside your home because of any excess humidity. Here are some ways you can control the humidity in your home:

  • Use your air conditioner on hot days to keep the temperature a little lower. The ideal temperature for mold to grow is above 77 degrees Fahrenheit, so try to keep your indoor temperature a little lower than that. In addition to providing cooling, the AC in your home also removes humidity. Keeping it on will ensure your indoor temperature and humidity doesn’t provide an ideal environment for mold growth.
  • Keep the humidity in your home under 50 percent by using a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier absorbs water vapor and condenses it internally.
  • Keep your AC ducts clean and moisture free by regularly checking for any leaks.
  • Use the exhaust fan in your bathroom after a shower to prevent any moisture build up.
  • Invest in a hygrometer that measures your home’s humidity.

Cleanliness is Important

You’ll be surprised how simply keeping your home clean by using these techniques can prevent mold growth.

  • Clean out your air filters as they are the first line of defense keeping out mold spores from coming into your home.
  • Frequently dust and vacuum your home to get rid of any microscopic mold spores.
  • Clean out your refrigerator and remove any foods that are spoiling. Use DIY mold cleaning products to clean out your kitchen, bathroom and other areas prone to mold. DIY cleaning products are a good alternative to other mold cleaning products containing bleach (which is toxic and a health risk). You can make one by simply mixing vinegar or baking soda with water.

Fix Any Leaks

This might sound like a stretch, but if a leaky shower, roof or faucet goes unnoticed for a long period of time, it might lead to the growth of mold and even water damage. Make sure you take care of the leaks in your home before they turn into costly problems.

  • Fix any leaks in your pipes or in damp areas such as bathtubs and sinks. Frequently clean these areas with non-toxic, mold cleaning products.
  • Consider getting a leak detector. These gadgets have sensors that detect unnecessary moisture in appliances such as your dishwasher, water heater and refrigerator. If there is any moisture where there shouldn’t be, you get an alert on your phone.
  • When it rains, make sure your windows are sealed shut properly to prevent any leaks.
  • Make sure the shingles on your roof are functioning properly so water isn’t seeping through. Sometimes, even if your shingles are perfectly fine, water might leak in. This usually happens when there are obstructions in your gutters and downspouts and water that is meant to be drained, goes into the opposite direction and as a result, infiltrates your home. In short, make sure your downspouts and gutters are clear of debris.

Don’t Leave Out Your Wet Clothes

Whether you pull your clothes out of the washer or take them off after coming from the pool, make sure to dry them immediately. Leaving them out in a damp pile can create a damp, stuffy environment which is optimal for mold growth. Mold starts to spread 24 to 48 hours in excessively damp areas, so act fast and take a minute to put your clothes in the dryer.  If you want to air dry your clothes, dry them on a clothesline outside.

Do Your Research

Being an informed homeowner is one of the best ways you can prevent not only mold growth but any other costly problems in your home. Read up a little beforehand about the science behind mold, summertime mold prevention tips and what you should do if mold infests your home. This way you will be prepared to calmly handle any issues instead of flying into a panic.

If you have any questions or concerns about mold testing, mold remediation or water damage restoration, don’t hesitate to contact RestoPros. Our dedicated team of professionals will equip you with effective strategies and solutions to keep your home mold-free and stress-free!