Plan Your Mold Reduction Project Carefully

Whether you live in an old home or newer home, there are many ways to protect and improve your indoor air quality through mold reduction. Therefore, the following information offers immediate steps that helps protect your indoor air quality. Additionally, GHA offers some tips aimed at mold reduction in your home and preventing  problems during remodels, renovations or when building a new home.

Overall, if the moldy area is less than about 6 square feet (less than roughly a 2 ft. by 3 ft. patch), homeowners can often handle the job themselves (in most cases). However, use your best judgement. For example, call an experienced contractor in mold mitigation when you feel uneasy attempting to eradicate mold by yourself.

Mold Reduction Tips

Here are 10 tips for reducing mold growth in your home to improve your indoor air quality:

1. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. Homeowners must control moisture levels and water leaks in your home, which controls (or reduces) mold growth.
2. If mold is a problem in your home, work with an experienced contractor to clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
3. Help prevent mold growth by fixing any plumbing water leaks or other sources of moisture intrusion.
4. Prevent mold by maintaining indoor relative humidity levels between 30% and 45% RH.
5. Only use exhaust fans that are vented directly outside.
6. Ensure dryer vents move air directly outside.
7. Insulate and air seal your home to eliminate cold surfaces that cause condensation and mold growth.
8. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours.
9. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely.
10. Make sure your roof has no leaks. Also make sure crawl spaces and basements do not have excessive moisture levels.

Finally, remember mold exists almost anywhere and everywhere. Mold grows on virtually any substance (providing a source of moisture source remains present). If you have mold in your home, use your best judgement and call a contractor that is experienced in mold mitigation when you feel uneasy attempting the work yourself.