Tips to Prevent Winter Mold

Mold growth is a common problem in every household. Molds usually thrive in warmth and moisture. The molds present in your house release spores which affect the other areas of your house as well. It is therefore, important to destroy the mold and prevent it from coming back.

Winter mold growth is a common phenomenon. During the winter season we usually try to keep our homes warm and comfortable. The molds tend to grow on the inner walls of the house. They usually grow on those surfaces which are close to the outer parts of your house. Moisture usually travels to your house through the kitchen, basement and bathroom.

The moisture then comes in contact with the cold walls and creates condensation. This becomes the perfect breeding place for the molds. To prevent winter mold, it is a good idea to insulate the walls of your house. Insulated walls will not only prevent condensation but will also prevent mold growth.

You can follow certain tips to prevent winter mold growth in your house.

• Places that are sources of moisture in your house should be kept under check during the winter season. Try to get rid of all the possible sources which can help in mold growth. Try to clean and vacuum those areas which are under mold threat. Areas like bathroom and kitchen should be kept clean and dry as they are the major sources of moisture in a house.
• Do not wait to repair any kind of leaks in your house. If there is a leak in your window or roof, get it repaired as fast as you can.
• Try to keep the humidity level of your house below 40 percent. In winters, we generally use a humidifier to maintain the moisture level of our rooms. But you should keep a close check so that it does not produce excessive moisture.
• Always try to use exhaust fans in a kitchen or bathroom. It is advisable to keep the doors and windows of these areas open once you finish your work.
• It is better to use floor surfaces that are washable or even rugs in the areas which have moisture problem. Wall to wall carpeting can be a problem if you stay in a cooler climate. You should also avoid carpeting your entryway.
• Clothing, books and paper are considered to be food for molds. It is better not to store these items in the area of your house where moisture is high. Try not to store these items in the basement. Also try to keep these things away from the walls as well as floors.

• You should be very careful regarding your downspouts and gutter. Always keep these things clean. It is important to keep the area under your downspouts graded. This will make the water flow away from the foundation of your house. You can always go for downspout extension if necessary.
• A dehumidifier can be used in the basement to keep moisture away. Basement is usually cooler than other parts of the house and hence there are high chances of moisture build up. Winter mold growth can be checked by using a dehumidifier.
• The vent of clothes dryer should be put outwards. This will help it release the moisture out of the house.
• You might encounter water problems in your crawl space or basement. Try to clean up the area as soon as possible.
• The attic of your house should be very well ventilated as well as insulated. This is necessary to prevent winter mold growth.
• Finally, you should check your crawl space for vents. Make sure you keep the vents open during winter.