Sooner or later, it happens to us all of us—Mold finds it way into our home.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there is no practical way to completely eliminate all molds and mold spores from an indoor environment. Even the most sterile environments have mold spores present in the air. It is possible, however, to control mold growth by eliminating one of the key elements it requires-moisture. The key to controlling mold growth in any environment is to control moisture.
The best way to control moisture is to be proactive by periodically inspecting areas where mold is likely to appear. This includes bathrooms, laundry rooms, underneath sinks, and basements. Be alert for signs of mold such as dark spots on walls or ceiling tiles, or any signs of water leaking inside or outside of your home.
Ideally, you should keep the humidity level in your home at around or below 60% to inhibit mold growth. You can find inexpensive humidity gauges at most hardware stores that will help you monitor the levels in your home. If you notice condensation on interior window surfaces, that is a good indicator that the humidity levels inside are too high.
Make sure any crawlspaces, basements, and attics have some sort of ventilation to avoid allowing mold growth in those areas. If you are unsure whether your home humidity levels are correct, or if you need help in identifying potential problem areas, have a professional experienced in mold remediation perform an inspection. It’s far better to spend a little time to prevent mold than to have to spend a lot of time later to remove it.
