Mold will keep growing when there is moisture in your house or exterior. Therefore, you will have to always check and control the moisture and try to keep your home dry to prevent mold from growing. When you start to clean molds that has been residing in your house, always remember that by simply killing them is not enough and it is only the first step in cleaning and getting rid of them. Dead molds that you have kill, still having substances in their spores that can cause allergic reaction, coughing and sneezing to the surrounding people. This can sometimes also cause asthma attack to people who has high allergy. Therefore, you have to be prepared to avoid the molds from recurring or returning back to your house. In order to have no more molds in your house, below are the things to do;
What you need:
- Look out for moisture area in house
- Quickly dry areas that is wet
- Fix any leakage in wet area or kitchen
- Clear carpets or furnishing from infected area
- Use Wet Vacuum or Shop Vacuum
- High Efficiency Particulate Air Vacuum (HEPA)
- Wear Face mask and gloves
Method:
- First of all, you need to be extra careful when cleaning, make sure you are wearing a face mask and gloves for protection. Try to reduce clothes, paper and furnishings stored in your basement room and throw away (dispose off) unwanted or badly damaged materials. Make sure there is no more clutter in the room for improving its air circulation and also if possible dehumidify the basement room especially during the warm months. If you are using the Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV), you need to always clean the filter inside the system regularly. If you find that there are molds or signs of dampness such as water on the windows or wet spots, do not continue using the humidifier.
- Make sure there are no wet spots surrounding your laundry area and if there is any then dry it thoroughly. Do not hang any dry laundry inside your house and do not forget to always dry your laundry tub and washing machine after it is being used.
- If you are using a bathroom fan, make sure that the fan is exhausts to the outside of your house. Whenever you are in the shower, always turn on the bathroom fan and also keep it running for a few minutes after you have finish having your bath. You also need to keep the surface that gets wet easily to be cleaned and dried especially the walls surrounding your bathtub and shower. Try not to put carpet in your bathroom and also regularly check for any leakage of water.
- Always use the kitchen fan (if there is any) when you do your cooking and make sure the fan exhausts outside your house. Try to minimize the use of open boiling and always keep your drains in good condition without any clogging. Do regular check for any leakage of water under your sink and also clear off your kitchen garbage daily for preventing bad odors and spoiling.
- Do not store unwanted items or clothes (other items) in your bedroom closets or surrounding area because if you have tidy closets and bedroom, the air will circulate more easily thus making it difficult for mold to grow.
- During warmer months, use your dehumidifier (if any) for reducing moisture and make sure that all of the windows are close. It is a good thing if you do not allow the wearing of shoes inside your house and regularly vacuum your house especially with a vacuum that has HEPA filter.
- For hard floors, clean it by using a damp mop and if possible do not use potted plants for your interior decorations because mold likes to grow around the soil.
- Make sure to regularly check your roof condition and exterior finish for any leakage or signs of water or mold. If there is any problem, quickly fix it before the mold starts growing.
Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5651331_avoid-molds-place.html
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/dealing-with-molds-in-your-home-the-proper-way-to-do-it-1331556.html
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/momo/momo_005.cfm
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sariady/4155313502/