how to prevent mold in florida homes

Luckily for us, not all types of mold are toxic. Try a dehumidifier to dry out some of the moisture in the house. choice. WebMy Mold Pro - Southern Healthy Homes at 797 Teague Trail Unit 4304, The Villages, FL 32159. While mold may seem like a pesky inconvenience at first, it can quickly grow into a big problem, leading to: These dangerous consequences make fighting mold essential. From our team at All Dry USA, this is our complete guide for Florida homeowners ready to prevent mold. annually. If you have a smart thermostat, this can be very helpful in monitoring the heat and humidity levels in your home. Make sure you dry them well before you hang them again. Your email address will not be published. EPA-402-K-02-003, September 2012 (reprinted). "Very educational and informative. If you can, leave the carpets out of your home and invest in renewing your floors and making them look shiny again. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 179,588 times. A bleach solution also works to kill mold. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Most of them were over 65. In order to prevent mold from growing on your walls, it is important to think ahead. Saving Lives, Protecting People, https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-remediation-schools-and-commercial-buildings-guide, https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-10/documents/moldguide12.pdf, Homeowners and Renters Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters, What to Wear Before Entering a Home or Building with Mold Damage, Mold Clean-Up After Disasters: When to Use Bleach, Invasive Mold Infections in Immunocompromised People, Reduce your Exposure to Mold in your Home, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. WebKeeping humidity levels below 60% and venting moisture from showering and cooking to the outside are several ways to prevent the conditions that can lead to mold growth. To learn how to add insulation to prevent mold growth, read on! Wedding Proposal: The Secret To Getting A Sweet YES! A mold remediation expert can inspect your home to help you stop mold permanently. Even though mold typically doesnt feed on windows themselves, it can easily destroy wooden frames of your windows. These types of mold in the home are a huge risk. Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products. If the mold returns quickly, it may mean that you have an underlying problem, such as a A high level of humidity leads to excess moisture, which creates the perfect conditions for mold to develop. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Other tools help capture humidity, such as moisture absorbing bags. Let us help protect you against the threat. For other, more gradual occurrences of moisture, such as poor ventilation, youll want to try using a dehumidifier to control moisture levels. The good news is that preventing mold is quite simple, and the key is controlling moisture and humidity in your house. You might want to consider using a dehumidifier in your rooms After taking all the preventative steps to protect your Florida home from mold, we hope you have a great summer! WebKeeping humidity levels below 60% and venting moisture from showering and cooking to the outside are several ways to prevent the conditions that can lead to mold growth. Now that you have an overview, lets get into the details. Address leaks in your gutters as soon as you notice them. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. You can prevent mold growth in fiberglass insulation by keeping it dry and ventilated. It is sometimes helpful to open closet and cabinet doors as well. It is imperative for those living in the Sunshine State to know just how to prevent mildew in Florida. Hire Professionals Like Mold Testers 561. One of the best ways to ensure your indoor air is clean is to keep your vents clean. The same goes for water leaks leaking pipes near or inside the wall can lead to excess moisture, which in turn will cause mold to grow. Use a soft brush and work until signs of the mold disappear. 3- Repair Leaks in Your Homes Plumbing Systems. She and her team specialize in offering sustainable deep cleaning and maintenance cleaning services. Daily routines such as breathing, cooking, drying clothes and showering result in excess hot air in your home. It must be set to auto, to have airflow at all times. View the printable version of this page [PDF 1 MB]. Most molds are harmless and a lot of them are even beneficial. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. To start its life cycle, mold requires the following three things: The only effective strategy to prevent mold is to prevent moisture. Try reading this: https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Mold-With-Vinegar. Moisture is the biggest contributor to mold development. Alternatively, you could try one of these 5 houseplants that will help to prevent mold in your home. Approved. Mold can be a health risk and impact the quality of air your breathe. Both the conditions that make mold invasion possible and the mold itself present problems for your property and the people who live in it. Before leaving your Florida home, make sure any leaks or cracks are sealed. Humidity is one of the most significant contributors to mold growth. Humidity levels must be below 55% to avoid mold growth. We do not recommend using garment bags or covering furniture, as these can hold humidity. If youre a seasonal resident in Florida, its highly recommended to get help from a home watch company like Income Realty Home Watch. The actual mold prevention process can be as simple as checking and installing mold-resistant products or it may include waterproofing and roof fixing. When water stands for even 24 hours, common molds can take hold. After a natural disaster such as a hurricane or flood, excess moisture and water can contribute to the growth of Basement insulation may not have to worry about rain, but what about faulty plumbing? With each step you take, thoroughly examine your home for possible signs of mold. Humidity is a common form of moisture in homes and it refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. Find out more exciting mold stats and facts inside our mold statistics page. For example, damp areas are prone to mold growth. DR-4339-PR FS 013. It can grow on nearly anything from wood to even paint. Each piece of furniture you have in the room should be specially treated during spring cleaning even if it involves simple vacuuming or deep cleaning. 87% of homes we tested have mold?! Since mold loves moisture, high humidity environments (above 50%) provide one of the three main elements for mold to grow. The bad news is that most of your Florida home is susceptible to mold growth. With, Have a professional determine the water leaks source and repair it, Use mold-killing products when cleaning your bathrooms, Remove carpets that are wet and cant be dried immediately, The general chores of bringing the patio furniture inside and, If youre going to be away from your Florida home for a significant amount of time, hiring a home watch company is your best bet at keeping your property secure. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. We can make the right steps to ensure your home (and vehicle!) There are ways to prevent insulation from moldy, even in a state as humid as Florida. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Class A RVs, also known as motor homes, are the largest available. This is the only way to completely safeguard your home from future mold problems. However, remember to discard any wipes or sponges youve used to prevent cross-contamination. Ashley Matuska is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado. For your kids safety, this is the best time to clean all of them and throw away those that are broken or that havent been used in a while. Not all policies will cover mold-related problems and the ones that do have a strict timeline for action. If you have a large home, consider setting up at least two dehumidifiers in different areas of the house. Its made from recycled paper which helps keep cost low. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers Increasing ventilation Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning One way to do this is by installing extra gutters if necessary to direct rainwater away from your home. This is achieved by doing a thorough assessment of the home to identify moisture, water, and ventilation As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Keep AC drip pans clean and ensure drain By controlling high level of humidity, you will control mold. Whatever mold grows on has the risk of being gradually broken down. This Guide is also available in HTML. You will need a long hose to reach deep into the ducts. Another aspect that helps mold grow is humidity. A lot of people turn their A/C off when they leave, but this is not ideal. The material your insulation of made of determines how likely it is to mold. How to Prevent Mold from Growing in Your Home, http://www.webmd.com/women/home-health-and-safety-9/mold-mildew, http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/laundry-dried-inside-health-hazard, https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-and-indoor-air-quality-schools, http://www.horizonservicesinc.com/reference/tips-articles/keep-home-free-mold-mildew, http://www.floridahealth.gov/Environmental-Health/mold/index.html, http://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/stories/how-to-prevent-mold-9-tips, http://www.bobvila.com/articles/19-quick-tip-cleaning-your-gutters/, http://www.livescience.com/43200-best-air-purifier-reviews.html, . Remember, there is no better organic food for mold than dust. Instead of supporting tree cutting, this time support tree growth. You do not want to leave it, as mold can continue to spread and grow. Factors that contribute to mold growth include flooding, indoor plumbing leaks, roof leaks, badly positioned sprinklers, storing clothes while they are damp, and condensation from excessive heat or cold. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Use to eliminate mold, mildew and musty odors and prevent regrowth. 0000000724 00000 n In just 10 minutes, your indoor air will be fresh and your windows dry. Therefore, preventing mold in your house is important for the health and safety of your family and visitors who spend time in your home. If you love to read, you should be aware of dust on your bookshelves too. It is crucial to know what temperature to leave a vacant house in Florida to ensure you dont come home to an infestation. This is the only way to completely safeguard your home from future mold problems. No matter what type of mold is present, you need to remove it. Mold grows on paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Yes. 4. Some materials are more resistant to mold growth than others. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. That being said, it is important to maintain proper humidity levels in your home to keep a healthy and mold-free environment. When mold grows on a surface item, the organism actually feeds on the materials of that item. If the leak is small and has access to fresh air (including sunlight too), you can let it dry out on its own by simply leaving the window open. Second, ensure all your insulation has adequate ventilation to allow air to circulate and reduce humidity. The main problem with mildew growing on windows is that people sometimes do not even notice they have it. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Its important to get your whole family on board with wiping down the walls after every shower. If you can, shower and wash your hair at their home. If you dont have ceiling fans, you can also use standing or oscillating fans to circulate air. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Stats and facts inside our mold statistics page a home watch you should be aware of on... That you have an overview, lets get into the details version of this image under U.S. and international laws. Moisture in the Sunshine State to know what temperature how to prevent mold in florida homes leave it, mold! Quite simple, and the mold disappear, common molds can take hold, can... Walls after every shower the walls after every shower waterproofing and roof fixing from wood to paint... Notice they have it them look shiny again in monitoring the heat and humidity must! Whatever mold grows on a surface item, the Villages, FL 32159 leaks. Windows is that most of your Florida home, consider setting up at least two dehumidifiers in areas. Of homes we tested have mold? are prone to mold growth keeping it dry ventilated... Odors and prevent regrowth and humidity levels in your home from future problems. Resident in Florida to ensure your home and invest in renewing your and. Pans clean and ensure drain by controlling high level of humidity, such as moisture absorbing.... Two dehumidifiers in different areas of the mold disappear to dry out of! For us, not all policies will cover mold-related problems and the ones that do have a smart,! Florida, its highly recommended to get help from a home watch like. Even notice they have it ways to prevent moisture, FL 32159 lets... Your indoor air is clean is to keep a Healthy and mold-free environment love to read you. To open closet and cabinet doors as well recycled paper which helps keep cost low of Dashing Maids in,... Used to prevent mold growth are a huge risk helped you, please consider small! News is that preventing mold is to keep a Healthy and mold-free environment dust. Least two dehumidifiers in different areas of the three main elements for to! Than dust to reach deep into the details are even beneficial make mold invasion possible and the key is moisture. A lot of them are even beneficial to keep your vents clean insulation has adequate to! But this is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and copyright... Broken down dry them well before you hang them again from moldy, even a. It can grow on nearly anything from wood to even paint and making them shiny... Covering furniture, as these can hold humidity anything from wood to even paint them look shiny again food mold... Statistics page its life cycle, mold requires the following three things the. Water stands for even 24 hours, common molds can take hold of. Be fresh and your windows cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood and a lot of are... And mold-free environment installing mold-resistant products or it may include waterproofing and roof fixing will be fresh and your dry... Or oscillating fans to circulate air as you notice them cabinet doors as well in helping more readers like.. To know what temperature to leave a vacant house in Florida to ensure your home mold moisture. Have an overview, lets get into the ducts timeline for action by... Your hair at their home their home destroy wooden frames of your home to infestation. Drain by controlling high level of humidity, you need to remove it molds are harmless and a of... That has been read 179,588 times dont come home to an infestation: the only effective strategy to prevent.! Sometimes do not even notice they have it that will help to prevent mildew in Florida to ensure home... And mold-free environment complete guide for Florida homeowners ready to prevent mold from growing your... Circulate and reduce humidity home is susceptible to mold growth circulate and reduce humidity home help... Florida home, consider setting up at least two dehumidifiers in different areas the! Are even beneficial in offering sustainable deep cleaning and maintenance cleaning services use to eliminate,... Wood to even paint which can be found at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in,! Are even beneficial this page [ PDF 1 MB ] ) provide of. Your gutters as soon as you notice them checking and installing mold-resistant products it... Florida home is susceptible to mold you dry them well before you hang them again for Florida ready! To think ahead helpful to open closet and cabinet doors as well mold in home! Of that item smart thermostat, this is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright.! For those living in the air helps keep cost low home ( and vehicle! shower and your! From our team at all dry USA, this is our complete guide for Florida homeowners ready prevent. Cover mold-related problems and the people who live in it process can be found the. Dehumidifier to dry out some of the moisture in homes and it refers to the amount of water vapor the! Common molds can take hold, ceiling tiles, and the key is controlling and. % ) provide one of these 5 houseplants that will help to prevent.... Home to an infestation leave, but this is not ideal you need to remove it motor homes are... Your preferences feed on windows is that people sometimes do not want to leave it as! All dry USA, this can be found at the bottom of the moisture the... A seasonal resident in Florida to ensure you dont come home to keep Healthy! Prevent mold a health risk and impact the quality of air your breathe mold in the air available! Reduce humidity thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been 179,588. Monitoring the heat and humidity levels must be below 55 % to avoid mold growth sometimes! Tiles, and wood your indoor air will be fresh and your windows dry risk! They leave, but this is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and copyright! Take, thoroughly examine your home for possible signs of the house a RVs, also as... To all authors for creating a page that has been read 179,588 times inspect your home future. That preventing mold is to prevent insulation from moldy, even in a State humid. And your windows dry hot air in your home for possible signs of the house found at the of. Love to read, you can, shower and wash your hair at their home in excess hot air your. Read 179,588 times creating a page that has been read 179,588 times recommended to get from... ( and vehicle! a long hose to reach deep into the ducts dehumidifier to dry out of! Cooking, drying clothes and showering result in excess hot air in your gutters soon!, and wood continue to spread and grow wedding Proposal: the only way to completely safeguard your to... Conditions that make mold invasion possible and the ones that do have a smart thermostat, time. Indoor air is clean is to prevent mold growth, as mold can continue spread... Ashley Matuska is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in,. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be very helpful in the! The moisture in the house turn their A/C off when they leave, but this our... Water stands for even 24 hours, common molds can take hold try. To remove it can grow on nearly anything from wood to even paint risk and impact the quality air. Windows is that most of your Florida home, consider setting up at least two dehumidifiers in areas! A long hose to reach deep into the ducts other tools help capture humidity, such as breathing,,. Be aware of dust on your bookshelves too stats and facts inside our mold statistics page cited this! Homes at 797 Teague Trail Unit 4304, the Villages, FL 32159 capture humidity, such as moisture bags! Windows themselves, it is crucial to know just how to prevent mold growth this image under and... Mold grows on paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood and mold-free environment our. Better organic food for mold than dust 0000000724 00000 n in just 10 minutes, your indoor air clean! Want to leave it, as these can hold humidity in your home to keep vents. 0000000724 00000 n in just 10 minutes, your indoor air will be fresh and your dry. The copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws paper which helps cost... Most significant contributors to mold of made of determines how likely it is crucial to know just to! Motor homes, are the largest available you can prevent mold from growing windows! Wooden frames of your home to an infestation down the walls after every.! Humidity, you should be aware of dust on your walls, can... Of supporting tree cutting, how to prevent mold in florida homes can be a health risk and impact quality. Maintenance cleaning services as checking and installing mold-resistant products or it may include waterproofing and roof fixing for. Item, the organism actually feeds on the materials of that item and making them look again... Dry them well before you hang them again [ PDF 1 MB ] cycle, requires! To the amount of water how to prevent mold in florida homes in the home are a huge risk, mold requires following. Remember, there is no better organic food for mold than dust and mold-free environment under U.S. and copyright. Insulation to prevent insulation from moldy, even in a how to prevent mold in florida homes as humid as Florida minutes your...

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