how to prevent mold in florida homes
Most of these fungi are found in nature, where they play important roles in the breakdown of decomposing organic materials. While mold may seem like a pesky inconvenience at first, it can quickly grow into a big problem, leading to: These dangerous consequences make fighting mold essential. Electrical Safety Checks That Every Homeowner Should Do, Home Watch Websites by Home Watch Marketing. However, these infestations wont always grow in visible areas. For example, damp areas are prone to mold growth. You can rest easy knowing your property is in good hands! Lets learn how to prevent mold growth. Think about not using carpet in places like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture. We help homeowners by offering leading edge home performance solutions that save energy and lower utility bills. Areas that retain a lot of moisture are especially vulnerable to mold growth. How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Sump Pump? You can buy mold inhibitors at paint and home improvement stores. Get Special Gift: Industry-Standard Mold Removal Guidelines. Schedule an inspection with All Dry USA today. Being a seasonal resident will not count as a valid excuse for the delayed response. If you can't repair the leak, replace the section of damaged gutter. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 149 people died in Ian. Open windows and doors to provide fresh air. However, remember to discard any wipes or sponges youve used to prevent cross-contamination. Mold produces microscopic cells, also known as spores, which rapidly spread from the area of origin under the right conditions. Last Updated: May 6, 2021 While were at it, make sure you have someone check your AC and furnace! Some of these difficulties include: Apart from the adverse health effects of mold, they will also damage the structures of the home and impair the aesthetics and by extension, the value of your property. Unique mold spray contains no bleach or harsh chemicals, safe for use on a wide range of surfaces Area rugs are better than carpet because they can be removed, cleaned, and dried if they get wet. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Both the conditions that make mold invasion possible and the mold itself present problems for your property and the people who live in it. And yet, Fiberglass is still a popular choice due to its low cost and high R-value (which must. Especially in areas where mold is likely to grow, such as the basement or attic. There are over 300,000 types of mold, but Florida most commonly has these three species: Aspergillus (found on rotten produce), Cladosporium (a black or green mold from damp spots), and Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as black mold which poses a danger to health). You should also make sure that your crawl space and basement are properly ventilated. Additionally, hire the services of a home watch company like Income Realty Home Watch. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Prevent-Mold-from-Growing-in-Your-Home-Step-7-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Prevent-Mold-from-Growing-in-Your-Home-Step-7-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Prevent-Mold-from-Growing-in-Your-Home-Step-7-Version-4.jpg\/aid924195-v4-728px-Prevent-Mold-from-Growing-in-Your-Home-Step-7-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If you are a homeowner in Florida, you should be careful about possible mold growth in your home. This is the only way to completely safeguard your home from future mold problems. Give us a call at (407) 913-6363 to get a clear picture of your homes indoor air quality today! Hire Professionals Like Mold Testers 561. Closed-cell spray foam insulation, for example, is, effective at preventing mold growth because it, It does this by forming a tight seal around potential sources of moisture like pipes and wall interiors. Make sure you dry them well before you hang them again. 0000015118 00000 n If youre a seasonal Florida resident, this is something to consider. This will make your entire room smell fresh, but again, you should be careful about the humidity level, as it can bring about mold. No need to ruin the ocean breeze with moldy spores! These conditions are easily created in a Florida home. 0000003112 00000 n But some molds are harmful to humans, especially when they grow within the confined spaces of the home. Your email address will not be published. 6 Things to Do When Your Ceiling is Flooded, A small amount of water in the air of a closed-in space, Drying surfaces that have water accumulating (such as a shower right after use), Maintaining air circulation via air conditioning, ceiling fan, or dehumidifier. Make sure all areas of your home are clean and dry before you leave. 1- Lower Humidity and Minimize Mold Spores in Your Home. Prevent mold growth in insulation with these steps. This means your furnishings and homes structure can be damaged. Routinely inspect drain lines, AC units, and drain pans as they are areas with a high risk of mold growth. Every year, billions of dollars go towards remedying the negative effects of mold. Most locations in Florida are just a short distance from the ocean, so even with the scorching heat, the sea breeze help to make life in the state more bearable. Molds have been on the Earth for millions of years. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold. Mold loves fiberglass because the glass traps moisture and gives the mold room to grow. However, what often gets overlooked is that these items can be prime sources for mold growth. Alternatively, you could try one of these 5 houseplants that will help to prevent mold in your home. Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. Whether you are starting with the bathroom or bedroom, there are some tasks you should do in every single room of your home, from dusting your ceiling to vacuuming the floors. With the combined humidity and heat of the summer, it would most definitely allow for mold growth. Mold growth is a major hazard to the state of your home and can be challenging to get under control should the issue have time to escalate. As mentioned earlier, mold thrives in environments with high humidity, poor ventilation, stable warm temperature, moderate sunlight exposure, and organic materials. Over time, mold can destroy the structures and features of your home, if it is not speedily and permanently removed. Mold has a nasty habit of lying dormant. In the meantime, check out these 9 ways to prevent mold in your home. 0000002561 00000 n The level of humidity can be tested in two ways either you will do it on your own with a hygrometer or you will call professionals to check the air quality in your home (which includes more than just a simple percentage check). Move your furniture so that you can reach every corner of your room to ensure there are no dirty or moldy places. This is achieved by doing a thorough assessment of the home to identify moisture, water, and ventilation By controlling high level of humidity, you will control mold. Be sure the air in your home flows freely. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Your local green expert when it comes to improving a home's energy efficiency and comfort. The health effects of mold can be different for different people so you cannot rely on sampling and culturing to know if you or a member of your family might become sick. Step 2: Saturate the mold and surrounding area on the wall. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you see or smell mold, you should remove it. 6Bp=Yawm#zh(GqP,[OPokWB_) Hu]cVru; YPRY7. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Both high humidity level and condensation may increase your chances of having mold on your walls, so keeping control of these two components will keep control of mold. If you are a seasonal resident in Florida, this season may be tricky for you. The best way to prevent mold in your home is to keep your windows open as often as possible, as mold isnt a fan of fresh air. Get My Mold Pro - Southern Healthy Homes reviews, Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 179,588 times. 0000006406 00000 n After letting the mold sit in the vinegar for an hour, you can carefully and slowly wipe the mold off the garage door and discard the cloths into a garbage bag and tie tightly. Check behind your furniture for mold, and if it is mold-free, clean it with a damp cloth, warm water and mild detergent. In summer, outfit your windows with lighter drapes and curtains that allow light to pass through. bottle Unique mold spray contains no bleach or harsh chemicals, safe for use on a wide range of surfaces If you are having problems with condensation, you can simply wipe down your windows and frames each morning since the difference between outdoors and indoors is the highest at night. 0000000724 00000 n Keeping your insulation clean, dry, and well-ventilated. With an average of 74% humidity in Florida, this can be quite a feat. Not only will you strip mold of its food, but you will also make your home more eco-friendly. On the other end of the spectrum, fiberglass insulation is not so good at preventing mold growth. If you love to read, you should be aware of dust on your bookshelves too. If the insulation is lacking good airflow, such as in a crawl space or attic, then the. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Your email address will not be published. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Prevent-Mold-from-Growing-in-Your-Home-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Prevent-Mold-from-Growing-in-Your-Home-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Prevent-Mold-from-Growing-in-Your-Home-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid924195-v4-728px-Prevent-Mold-from-Growing-in-Your-Home-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Areas of the home where mold is commonly found are those places where the conditions for mold growth converge. Around fridges, water coolers, and ice makers. 87% of homes we tested have mold?! If you machine-wash your jacket, use the delicates setting in a People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions. In winter, keep the heat as low as possible while still being comfortable. In addition, you need to dry them well because dirt is not the only food source for mold. 2- Reduce Clutter. endstream endobj 48 0 obj 188 endobj 34 0 obj << /Type /Page /Parent 27 0 R /Resources << /Font << /F0 35 0 R /F1 38 0 R /F2 42 0 R >> /ProcSet 45 0 R >> /Contents 39 0 R /MediaBox [ 0 0 612 792 ] /CropBox [ 0 0 612 792 ] /Rotate 0 >> endobj 35 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /TrueType /Name /F0 /BaseFont /Arial,Bold /FirstChar 32 /LastChar 255 /Widths [ 278 333 474 556 556 889 722 238 333 333 389 584 278 333 278 278 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 333 333 584 584 584 611 975 722 722 722 722 667 611 778 722 278 556 722 611 833 722 778 667 778 722 667 611 722 667 944 667 667 611 333 278 333 584 556 333 556 611 556 611 556 333 611 611 278 278 556 278 889 611 611 611 611 389 556 333 611 556 778 556 556 500 389 280 389 584 750 556 750 278 556 500 1000 556 556 333 1000 667 333 1000 750 611 750 750 278 278 500 500 350 556 1000 333 1000 556 333 944 750 500 667 278 333 556 556 556 556 280 556 333 737 370 556 584 333 737 552 400 549 333 333 333 576 556 278 333 333 365 556 834 834 834 611 722 722 722 722 722 722 1000 722 667 667 667 667 278 278 278 278 722 722 778 778 778 778 778 584 778 722 722 722 722 667 667 611 556 556 556 556 556 556 889 556 556 556 556 556 278 278 278 278 611 611 611 611 611 611 611 549 611 611 611 611 611 556 611 556 ] /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding /FontDescriptor 37 0 R >> endobj 36 0 obj << /Type /FontDescriptor /FontName /Arial /Flags 32 /FontBBox [ -250 -212 1068 1000 ] /MissingWidth 244 /StemV 80 /StemH 80 /ItalicAngle 0 /CapHeight 905 /XHeight 453 /Ascent 905 /Descent -212 /Leading 150 /MaxWidth 890 /AvgWidth 441 >> endobj 37 0 obj << /Type /FontDescriptor /FontName /Arial,Bold /Flags 16416 /FontBBox [ -250 -212 1201 1000 ] /MissingWidth 333 /StemV 153 /StemH 153 /ItalicAngle 0 /CapHeight 905 /XHeight 453 /Ascent 905 /Descent -212 /Leading 150 /MaxWidth 1001 /AvgWidth 479 >> endobj 38 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /TrueType /Name /F1 /BaseFont /Arial /FirstChar 32 /LastChar 255 /Widths [ 278 278 355 556 556 889 667 191 333 333 389 584 278 333 278 278 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 278 278 584 584 584 556 1015 667 667 722 722 667 611 778 722 278 500 667 556 833 722 778 667 778 722 667 611 722 667 944 667 667 611 278 278 278 469 556 333 556 556 500 556 556 278 556 556 222 222 500 222 833 556 556 556 556 333 500 278 556 500 722 500 500 500 334 260 334 584 750 556 750 222 556 333 1000 556 556 333 1000 667 333 1000 750 611 750 750 222 222 333 333 350 556 1000 333 1000 500 333 944 750 500 667 278 333 556 556 556 556 260 556 333 737 370 556 584 333 737 552 400 549 333 333 333 576 537 278 333 333 365 556 834 834 834 611 667 667 667 667 667 667 1000 722 667 667 667 667 278 278 278 278 722 722 778 778 778 778 778 584 778 722 722 722 722 667 667 611 556 556 556 556 556 556 889 500 556 556 556 556 278 278 278 278 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 549 611 556 556 556 556 500 556 500 ] /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding /FontDescriptor 36 0 R >> endobj 39 0 obj << /Length 40 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> stream Another thing you can do to prevent mold and mildew on your windows is set your air conditioning thermostats above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need help remembering to transfer clothes, set a timer when you do laundry. These are toxigenic molds (which will cause illness in people), pathogenic molds (which worsen existing health issues), and allergenic molds (which trigger allergic reactions or aggravate asthma). these areas starts with keeping them clean and dry. Flooding is a massive contributor to mildew growth. Once you have a good understanding of the humidity levels in your home, you are ready to take further steps to lower it down to the optimal level and keep it that way to prevent mold from growing. If you find some areas are very humid, consider getting a whole-house dehumidifier. If you use a portable fan, put it in a window or door blowing out. Since HVAC systems are prone to dampness, follow these tips to reduce moisture and mold in your Florida home or business 4: Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers, especially when its hot and humid, to reduce moisture in the air. Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers, especially when its hot and humid, to reduce moisture in the air. Therefore, it is not feasible to control View the printable version of this page [PDF 1 MB]. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Step 1: Make a solution of one part bleach to three parts water in the spray bottle. How to Choose a Sports Bra? Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products. A long-term approach to mold removal is the best way to solve the problem. ;Hq5saSAm1akoOh!f~a9IJx{Dfhr&xbh=+t;S(uduk !^ !B^O? Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce a poisonous gas.