Mold exposure is a common find inside all homes and businesses. Some people’s immune systems defeat most mold levels while others, with compromised systems or allergy prone people, cannot defeat these mold levels. The key to battling indoor molds is to keep them in a manageable and acceptable level. Follow these key mold prevention tips to maintain a healthy indoor environment.
1. HUMIDITY/ TEMPERATURE GAGE
For mold to thrive and continue to be viable it must have moisture. Humidity readings of over 60% or moisture readings of over 17% are necessary for mold to continue growing. A humidity/temperature gage (hygrometer) is available at most home improvement stores for less the $15.00. This can help you manage your humidity levels. The Indoor Air Quality profession recommends indoor humidity levels to be kept between 40% and 60% to manage most pathogen growth. If your level is more than 60% one should consider adding a dehumidifier. If the humidity level is less than 40% one should add a humidifier. This gage is a very helpful tool in monitoring your indoor moisture levels.
2. CLEANING PRODUCTS
There are several common over the counter cleaning agents available at your neighborhood grocery or discount store that can help you battle mold. Vinegar is an effective agent that will eliminate mold. This should be used around windows, showers and other small areas of microbial growth. Pine Sol liquid also will defeat mold and is a great treatment to use on floors and baseboards. A cleaning agent to avoid is bleach, it will not kill mold but instead make it temporarily disappear to then return stronger than ever. Bleach will also irritate most people’s allergens and immune systems.
3. WHEN TO CALL FOR TESTING
When you can smell mildew/ mold odor you probably have a larger colony of mold and it should be analyzed by a professional. Microbial growth in multiple areas also indicates an issue that should be tested. Allergens, runny noses, itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing are other symptoms that may also indicate mold problems that may need testing.
If you are unsure about how bad your mold problem may be, reach out to us and get a professional opinion. We are here to help.