People’s homes can have many invisible dangers. One well-known hidden danger is carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas that can be deadly. It is produced whenever any fuel such as natural gas, oil, propane, gasoline, or wood is burned. About 90,000 people have to visit hospitals because of carbon monoxide poisoning. 400 people end up dying annually because of it. However, this isn’t the only invisible hazard in people’s homes.
Another more common invisible hazard is molds. Here’s what you need to know about molds and how you can prevent their growth.
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What Are Molds?
Molds are fungi that can grow on just about any surface, including wood, paper, carpet, food, and insulation. They produce spores that spread through the air. When these spores land on a suitable surface, they start to grow.
Molds need three things to grow: warmth, moisture, and food. Most molds can grow at room temperature as long as enough moisture. For example, molds can grow in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. They can also grow on wet clothing or paper.
Molds produce allergens that can cause respiratory problems like sneezing, runny nose, and red eyes. Some people are also allergic to molds. In severe cases, mold allergies can cause asthma attacks. People with weakened immune systems are also at risk of developing respiratory infections from molds.
Molds can also cause structural damage to homes. For example, they can cause wood to rot.
So how can you prevent mold growth inside your home? Here are five ways.
More Sunlight
One of the greatest enemies of mold is sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) rays have been found to kill many types of mold. If you want to increase the UV light exposure in your home, consider having more openings. For example, installing new windows can help let more natural light in. This is important, especially if you want UV light to enter hard-to-reach places like the attic and basement. Both of which are common for mold growth.
You can also open your curtains and blinds more often to let sunlight in. Just make sure that the sunlight isn’t blocked by furniture or other objects.
Good Ventilation
Another way to prevent mold growth is by ensuring good ventilation in your home. This means having exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom and vents in the attic and basement. These exhaust fans should be turned on whenever using water inside your home. This will help remove the moist air that molds need to grow.
You should also open your windows whenever possible to let fresh air in. Just make sure that the windows aren’t letting in too much moisture.
Fix Leaks
Leaks are already a significant problem for homes. They cause water damage, but they can also lead to mold growth.
Leaks often occur in areas with a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. They can also happen in basements, attics, and crawlspaces. If left untreated, leaks can cause severe damage to your home.
That’s why it’s essential to fix any leaks in your home as soon as possible. You can do this by checking for any signs of water damage, such as discoloration on walls or ceiling tiles. You should also check for any wet spots on the floor.
If you find any leaks, you should have them fixed by a professional as soon as possible.
Keep Indoor Humidity Low
Molds need moisture to grow. That’s why it’s essential to keep the indoor humidity low. The ideal indoor relative humidity is between 30 and 50 percent.
You can measure indoor humidity using a hygrometer. This device measures the amount of water vapor in the air.
If the humidity in your home is too high, you can do a few things to lower it. For example, you can use a dehumidifier. This is a device that removes moisture from the air. You can also use air conditioners and fans.
Another way to lower indoor humidity is by fixing any leaks in your home. As mentioned earlier, leaks can cause water damage and mold growth.
You should also avoid using humidifiers. These devices increase the amount of water vapor in the air.
Clean and Dry Wet Areas
Molds can grow on any wet or damp surface. That’s why it’s essential to clean and dry any wet areas in your home immediately. This includes wet carpets, wet clothing, and wet towels.
You should also avoid storing anything in damp areas, such as the basement or attic. If you must keep things in these areas, make sure they’re in airtight containers.
Molds can cause many problems in homes, such as health problems and structural damage. That’s why it’s essential to prevent their growth inside your home. In this article, we’ve provided five ways you can do that. Just follow these tips, and you’ll be able to keep your home mold-free.