Discovering mould and mildew in your home is never a good thing. Mould and mildew can lead to many health problems, including respiratory problems such as congestion and coughing. And the longer you’re exposed, the more likely you are to experience chronic issues, such as asthma.
Unfortunately, many people have mould and mildew in their home without even realizing it. These toxins linger in damp areas, such as in your basement or your bathroom or around your pipes. In some cases, it might even be on your walls! When there are signs of mould in your home you should immediately work on it. If you find mold in your house, you’re going to want to find a way to reduce it. As long as it isn’t black mold, you should be able to scrub the mold off the surface by using a mixture of bleach and water. Once you have it cleaned up, you’ll want to take the following steps to make sure the mould and mildew don’t return.
Look for problem areas
The first step you’ll want to take is to start looking for the problem areas. Sometimes it will be obvious. You might have a leaky pipe. Or, if the problem is in the bathroom, it could be that there isn’t enough ventilation in the room. If the problem is in the basement, it might be harder to narrow the exact cause down. There are several reasons why your basement might be damp, including a crack in your foundation, water pooling up against the side of your house, or poor basement insulation. You may need to contact a professional to help you narrow down the problem.
Check your drainage system
As you’re trying to locate problem areas, don’t forget to check your drainage system. Many people overlook their drainage system and struggle to figure out where the moisture is coming from. However, if your drainage system is clogged, that water could be leaking through your foundation into your basement. Another problem with drainage systems that can result in moisture is if your drainage system is directing water far enough away from your house. The water ends up pooling against your house, which results in the water seeping into your basement. Get in the habit of checking your drainage system regularly to prevent potential problems.
Ventilate moist areas
Once you identify the problem area, decide if additional ventilation in that area is needed. Ventilation can help create airflow, allowing humidity to escape more naturally instead of creating moisture. Ventilation is important because it allows fresh air to be introduced to your house. Most of the time, ventilating your house requires some sort of balanced system that provides both input and exhaust. This will allow the humid air to be removed, and fresh air to be brought in. At the minimum, ventilation systems should be placed in all bathrooms. However, some people also put them in their basements and their garages.
Improve air quality in home
Your next step is to start improving the air quality within your home. Even as you start trying to find ways to fix problem areas and install ventilation, you might still experience some moisture in your home. Some moisture is natural, despite your best efforts. One way to continue to reduce moisture is by using a dehumidifier, which will help remove excess moisture and other toxins from the air. Dehumidifiers come in a variety of sizes and offer different features; check out getdehumidifiers.com for a review of various dehumidifiers. You may also want to pair the dehumidifier with some sort of air purifier.
Get rid of infested items
Finally, look around your house for any infested items. If any fabrics are retaining moisture, there is a possibility that mould and mildew are starting to grow inside. This includes upholstered furniture, stuffed toys, clothes, rugs, curtains, and carpets. If there is a chance it retains water, make sure to check it! Most of the time, the fabric will have a musty smell if there is a mould or mildew problem. Depending on how bad the time, it may be possible to clean the item. However, if it was exposed to moisture for a long period, it may be best to throw it away.
In summary
When it comes to reducing mould and mildew in your house, your first step is to clean it up and start trying to figure out what is causing it to form. Once you’ve found the problem area, start taking preventative measures, such as using a dehumidifier. Also, don’t forget to check for any fabrics that might have been damaged!
