5 Tips For Reducing Mold In Your Home

My allergies have been at their worst this year. Part of it is from seasonal allergies but since I never seem to get rid of them, I’m now thinking a lot of it has to do with mold and mildew in and around our home.  I’m going to share some reasons you may have mold in your home or business along with a couple of tips for getting rid of it and improving the air quality in your home. I’ve been reading WebMD’s 12 ways to improve indoor air quality and there is some really good advice there.

It’s common knowledge that mold loves warm, moist areas. Think bathrooms and beneath sinks if they are damp, houseplants, drip pans, etc. All of these are “water areas” so mold is going to grow there quickly if left damp. Some mold is hard to see and can be hard to rid. Black mold, the really bad kind, is obvious to the eye but can grow rapidly. We began noticing water beneath our refrigerator and in the kitchen floor and thought the hose to the water dispenser was leaking. We kept monitoring and trying to find where the water was coming from so we could fix it. We finally discovered that it wasn’t the refrigerator at all. It was the cold water valve to the kitchen sink. It was leaking in the cabinet, going under the cabinets and running across the floor making it very difficult to pinpoint. In just a matter of a few days, though, we developed black, nasty mold in the cabinet.

I sprayed disinfectants and cleaned the area with bleach but was still feeling pretty sick so I knew we still had a problem. It came back letting me know that is is underneath as well. We’re going to have to tear the bottom of the cabinet out, bleach it and replace it with new, which we should have done in the first place but hoped it hadn’t spread that far.

Needless to say, I have been really sick lately. Massive migraine headaches, dizziness, itchy and burning throat and eyes and just feeling really crappy. All things associated with my mold allergies. I knew it was there, I just couldn’t find it until now. And it’s all because of mold.

Some tips for reducing mold:

1.) Use your exhaust fan

Damp bathrooms are a breading ground for mold and mildew. Our large bathroom really holds the moisture. We have an exhaust fan in there and one tip I have is to always use it when you are taking a shower to help pull out the excess moisture. Many people think it is only for when using the restroom. I’ve heard the exhaust fan termed the “fart fan” before. But it is also for removing moisture. So be sure to use it when you are taking a shower. And if your washer and dryer are in your bathroom, use it when doing laundry too!

2.) Dry your Shower

When you finish drying off after your shower, use your towel to also wipe down the excess water in the shower and on the curtain. It only takes a few extra seconds. Then hang your towel up to air dry so it doesn’t mildew in the hamper. Damp clothes in the hamper mildew quickly.

3.) Dry your washer tub

Not only does drying your washer tub with a towel or paper towel help reduce mold and mildew, but it also reduces the chance for a sour smelling washing machine. Give it a quick wipe when you’ve finished the days laundry and you’re good to go!

4.) Don’t over water your plants

Just like you and me, plants can only drink so much water at a time. If you are over watering your house plants and leaving a lot of water in the top or overflow pan, you are creating a perfect breeding ground for mold.

5.) Check your pipes and roof

Leaky pipes or a leaky roof breed mold. Condensation on pipes does too. Our house likes to change with the weather. The pipes in the bathroom sweat at certain times of the year and this can cause mold and mildew. So be sure to check for leaky pipes and also wipe down any condensation that collects on them often.

If you’ve had storms, give your roof a quick look to make sure there aren’t any leaks. A leaky roof can go from a small problem to a huge problem very quickly. Black mold can form and you can become extremely sick.

These are just a few of my personal tips for reducing mold in the home and improving your air quality. It’s also a good idea, if you think you may have mold to get a home mold inspection done so you know where to treat and what needs to be done. You can learn more about home mold inspection online at sites like AirMD.

Have you ever had a problem with mold in your home? What did you do to treat or prevent it?

We are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice and we cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research before using.