How to Stop Mold Growth

Mold is a common problem affecting homes across the country. If it’s not addressed early, though, it has the power to grow into a serious problem — even posing a real risk to your health.

Mold spreads through airborne spores that may be inhaled easily. Infants, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and those living with asthma can all suffer harmful physical reactions.

Growths must be taken care of as soon as possible to avoid ongoing damage to your health and property — but how?

#1. Act Quickly to Dry Moisture

Mold thrives in wet spots. Any leaking pipes, damp carpets, moist basements or bathrooms can all cause growths to develop.

Depending on the location, the mold may be hard to spot, though that fetid odor is a telltale sign that’s hard to miss.

You have to remove water and dry areas affected as soon as you can, within 24 hours if possible. Any furnishings that are too badly damaged or sodden may need to be thrown out if they can’t be cleaned thoroughly enough.

#2. Invest in Effective Ventilation

Moisture in the air builds up over time, creating the right conditions for mold to spread. A lack of proper ventilation only makes this more likely, so take steps to prevent this.

Cooking, showering, washing clothes and anything producing steam in your home puts you at risk. Use dehumidifiers and air-conditioning units to stop moisture becoming a problem, though you should clean these on a regular basis to prevent them from generating moisture themselves.

#3. Measure Humidity in Your Home

If your humidity is too high, you could be inviting mold to start forming in your property. Fortunately, you can measure yours with a meter (available from most hardware stores and online) to be sure.

Aim to keep humidity no lower than 30 percent and no higher than 60 percent. Common signs of humidity include condensation on walls, windows and pipes — if you spot this anywhere, dry it immediately.

#4. Keep Water from Seeping into Your Home

The ground surrounding your property should slope away to stop water pooling and potentially seeping into your basement or crawl space. This is particularly dangerous if you live in an area prone to flooding or even just heavy rainfall.

Taking steps to rectify this may seem like a lot of hassle, but it's worth it to prevent mold.

#5. Boost Circulation

You have to keep air circulating through your home to prevent moisture forming on surfaces and leading to mold growth.

Leave doors between rooms open and avoid pushing furniture right up against walls. This is a small move but can make a big difference to your home’s risk of mold formation.

If you think you may have mold, or need the professionals to remove it and make your property safe again, call Mold Removal Oakland.

We’re certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration and BBB accredited. As if that weren’t enough, we’re fully licensed, bonded and insured too.

Call us on (510) 544-8393 to discuss your mold removal options now!