Preventing Summer Mold

The high humidity during warm summer months can cause mold growth. As a property owner, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent mold growth, especially when the summer season is approaching.

Preventing mold growth is essential if you want to maintain the upkeep of your property and retain its value and habitability. Molds can cause many problems for homeowners, and occupants will be exposed to certain health risks when molds are left unattended.

It’s imperative to control the moisture in your house to prevent mold growth. Molds thrive in dark and cold places, so paying close attention to such areas in your property is crucial when it comes to preventing mold and fungus.

When mold starts to grow, it can quickly spread to other areas in your home, especially indoor spaces. When this happens, they can be difficult to get rid of. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that your property is free from mold.

In addition, you can do these effective ways that can help you prevent summer mold:

1. Clean Your House Regularly

Keeping your house clean is imperative if you want to prevent mold and other types of bacteria that can grow on any surface. Molds and most bacteria thrive in wet spaces. Where there is moisture, there is a risk of mold growth. When cleaning your house, make sure to pay attention to areas that accumulate moisture.

Clean the bathroom and kitchen regularly. Make sure to get rid of grease buildup on your kitchen appliances and walls, as well as soap scum and dirt. You can eliminate these by cleaning your house on a regular basis, ideally twice a week.

2. Perform Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is crucial if you want to maintain the condition of your home and prevent serious issues such as mold growth. Some of the reasons for mold growth are water damage and leakage. Make sure to inspect your plumbing regularly for any possible leaks. Also, check the attic and crawl spaces for any signs of water damage.

3. Clean Your Filters

Part of your preventive maintenance should be to clean your HVAC system filters on a regular basis. Doing so can ensure that your HVAC system retains its longevity.

Moreover, cleaning the filters regularly can also help you save on electricity costs by making sure that the system works efficiently. Of course, cleaning filters are also a great and effective way to prevent mold growth.

4. Control Humidity

During summer days, humidity gets high, even inside the home. High humidity can be detrimental because excess moisture attracts mold growth. To control humidity, it’s recommended to wipe any excess moisture on the walls, floors, ceiling, and other surfaces.

You can also use electric fans and extractor fans to remove moisture in the room. For more efficiency, invest in a dehumidifier to effectively get rid of excess moisture in the air.

5. Control the Temperature of Your Air Conditioner

During the hot summer months, it’s common for households to set their air conditioner at lower temperatures. However, cold air-conditioned air can create more condensation—and this can be a breeding ground for molds.

To prevent this, make sure to keep your air conditioner at a minimum and set a balanced thermostat throughout the day. Ideally, the temperature should be between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

For really hot summer months, you can set the temperature to the low 70s to prevent mold growth. Make sure to keep the temperatures inside your home fairly low even if you are away.

You can alternatively use electric fans instead if the warm weather is manageable without an air conditioner running. Electric fans can help keep the air in the room circulating. This practice can be beneficial because aside from keeping molds at bay, you’ll also save on energy costs.

6. Keep Air Circulating

Another thing that can breed molds easily is stagnant air. You can prevent this by keeping air circulating through your house. Make sure to keep your vents open, including in certain rooms or areas where you don’t usually stay.

7. Dry Your Bathroom After Use

A long, steamy shower can be a great stress reliever, but steam condensation creates moisture that can get trapped on the bathroom walls, floors, and other hidden surfaces.

It’s important to dry your bathroom after using it by running your extractor fan while taking a shower and for at least ten to fifteen minutes after you’re done. Extractor fans are efficient in removing all the excess moisture, including those that are trapped in hidden spaces.

8. Pay Attention to Appliances

Some appliances can be a breeding ground for molds too. Make sure to clean your appliances regularly, especially those that accumulate grease and moisture.

Kitchen appliances such as ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers can trap moisture when not cleaned on a regular basis. Make sure to wipe them clean from time to time and control moisture.

9. Keep Windows and Doors Closed

During hot, humid days, it’s recommended to keep all your windows and doors closed, especially if your air conditioner is running. If you leave windows open with the air conditioner on, the mixture of warm and cool air temperatures may cause condensation to form.

Since molds thrive where there is a presence of condensation, it’s best to keep your doors and windows closed.

10. Hire a Mold Professional to Inspect Your Property

Mold growths can be dangerous to your health. If you don’t know how to identify mold growth and get rid of them effectively, it can create serious health problems like difficulty in breathing, allergies, cough, and lung problems.

To ensure that your house is free from mold, it’s best to work with a mold professional to inspect your property regularly for any signs of mold growth. Professionals know how to remove molds efficiently, so you don’t have to take care of them on your own.

Bottom Line

The humidity during the hot summer season can cause mold growth inside your house. To prevent this, make sure to follow the tips mentioned above. For effective mold assessment and removal, it’s best to work with a mold expert like Markham Services.