Mold Prevention in Winter
Mold can grow anytime, and virtually anywhere. You might not realize it, but mold spores are all around us—they’re even a part of the air we breathe. Most of the time, mold in these tiny quantities is harmless and won’t start to grow. It’s only when mold finds an opportunity to grow—thanks to moisture, warmth, and food—that those microscopic spores develop into a big (and often expensive to fix) problem.
The winter months are not safe from mold. In fact, mold grows best in winter. Here are five steps you can take to prevent mold growth in the winter.
- Humidity Matters
Many homeowners use a humidifier in the winter to counteract the drying effect of HVAC systems. One thing you’ll want to check is that your indoor humidity level, though, doesn’t go above 40%. Excessive humidity leads to the damp areas mold flourishes in.
- Purify Your Air
An easy way to keep mold from constantly circulating in your home is using a HEPA filter. HEPA filters are high-efficiency particulate absorber, capable of pulling the spores right out of the air before they have a chance to settle anywhere.
- Safe Storage
Mold and clutter often go hand and hand. Break up this potentially dangerous relationship by sorting through your unused belongings, especially the items you keep in less insulated, humid rooms, such as the basement. Clothing and books are especially appealing to mold—if you’re not going to read it again, donate it to the library.
- Gutter Talk
As we’ve mentioned, moisture is a big draw to mold, and your roof gutters are likely to hold a lot of damp, soggy leaves after the autumn season. It’s a good idea to make sure these have been cleaned out before winter hits so that mold damage doesn’t catch you unawares.
- Ventilation Matters
Make sure your exhaust fans in the bathroom, laundry, and kitchen are fully working—and that everyone actually uses them. Bathrooms are a prime location for mold to develop, even during the winter months. The combination of warmth and moisture is extremely alluring to fungal bodies.
Mold is no laughing matter in winter espically—it’s a known health risk that can cause asthma, headaches, and more. For more information about mold removal, contact the mold remediation experts at Bay State Mold Removal. We can help you take care of your current problem while also checking for any hidden mold you may have missed and prevent mold from coming back. Contact us today on our website or call us at 857-389-5284 so we can help you prevent mold from growing in your house during the winter months. If you do find mold in your home, the best thing to do is to call an expert to keep you and everyone living in your home safe.