Anytime there is water damage in your home, you can expect mold to grow in some capacity if the dry out was not performed correctly. And now that you know what to expect, you can be ready with a solution.
There are areas in your home that aren’t visible to you on a daily basis. These are places where mold could grow without you knowing so it’s important to do a quarterly check of every nook and cranny.
If you’re in the Metro Detroit area and you’d like to have a professional come by to do a FREE inspection instead of doing it on your own, give us at Lauhoff Environmental a call.
#1 The Basement
We all know that musty basements smell. It’s important to understand that the musty odor is not the “norm”; it’s actually a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed. The basement tends to be a moist area of a home so it’s important to use a dehumidifier to keep your moisture levels low. A few ways to keep the moisture level under control in the basement would be to paint the walls with waterproof or mold resistant paint and continuously check for any leaky pipes or foundation leaks.
#2 The Attic
Mold in the attic is a common problem that spreads to every part of the house since they often contain ventilation systems. To prevent any mold growth in the attic you will want to inspect the attic once or twice a season. If you find any roof leaks, fix them ASAP! Using the proper type of insulation, keeping soffit vents clear to allow air flow and keeping your gutters cleaned and in good repair are all ways to keep moisture levels low.
#3 The Bathroom
Bathrooms that lack proper ventilation (from a window, a fan, or ideally, both) are especially prone to attracting mold. Check every inch of your bathroom for moisture – even the walls! To prevent mold from growing in this room, check for leaky faucets and pipes often. Also remember to use a ventilation fan during your bath or shower and keep the fan on for at least 30 minutes after showering.
Using a dehumidifier or air conditioner to keep humidity levels down throughout your home will help prevent mold growth in your bathroom and everywhere else within the home. And remember to keep all surfaces, including counters and floors, clean and dry.
#4 The Kitchen
The high levels of humidity from using the stove and running hot water from the sink makes kitchen mold more likely to grow at a fast rate.
To keep your kitchen mold-free, make sure to always use the fan or open a window to ventilate while cooking and doing dishes. Avoid a pile up of dishes in the sink. Keep the stove top, microwave, counters, cabinets, and window sills clean and dry. Clean your fridge and the fridge drip tray often and take the trash out every day.
#5 The Living Room
The chance for mold growth is compounded with every element you add into a room so make sure any fabric couches and/or curtains stay clean and dry. If you have a chimney and fireplace, be sure it is cleaned by a professional. See our previous post about chimneys, Less Chimneys Leads to Rise in Mold Growth. [insert link]
#6 The Bedroom
Although your bedroom is less likely to be a breeding ground for mold, it can still happen if the humidity is high. Make sure you have a dehumidifier in your home to remove excess moisture from the air, dry up any condensation you find on the walls or window sills and invest in a mold-resistant mattress or, at least, a waterproof mattress cover.
#7 The Garage
Rain from your car and water leaks from the roof are two of the most common ways mold begins to grow in your garage. If you use your garage for storage or cleaning supplies, you might find mold growing in unexpected places.
Again, using a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels low, especially during wet months will tremendously help prevent mold growth.
Like we suggested for the basement, a waterproof or mold and mildew resistant paint for the walls and concrete in your garage is highly recommended. Try to always remove any standing water from the floor and allow the room to ventilate once in a while.
Still Have Questions About Mold?
If you think you have a mold problem and have questions regarding our mold remediation services, reach out to us at: 855-LAUHOFF (855-528-4633). To request a quote and a FREE inspection, fill out this form and we’ll contact you shortly.
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