how to prevent mold in florida homes

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Since mold is often darker, it is a lot easier to spot it than mildew. Use to eliminate mold, mildew, musty odors and prevent regrowth EPA-registered formula crushes mold spores as it dries and leaves an invisible, barrier Odorless solution cleans between 80-110 sq. When water stands for even 24 hours, common molds can take hold. Youll also want to vacuum and dust regularly to prevent mold from building up. 0000003112 00000 n If you notice any leaks, find the cause and fix it immediately. It loves it so much that it will throw a party everywhere they find enough moisture and organic food. Keeping your insulation clean, dry, and well-ventilated. If you have younger kids, you are probably constantly jumping over toys around the house. Before you start wondering which daily activities you should or shouldnt be doing, you should know that mold prevention is not about radical moves (such as stop cooking at your home), but about activities you should do to improve air circulation in your home. With enough moisture and an organic food source, you can see mold developing on your walls. Being a seasonal resident will not count as a valid excuse for the delayed response. Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried right away. If condensation has formed on any of these surfaces, dry it immediately and inspect it regularly to keep it dry. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Whether its attic insulation or basement insulation, theres always a risk of a leak. There is no shortage of choices when it comes to insulation. Download the industry-standard guidelines that Mold Busters use in their own mold removal services, including news, tips and special offers: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Published: August 20, 2018 Updated: February 24, 2023, Written by: John Ward Account Executive Mold Busters, Fact checked by: Michael Golubev General Manager Mold Busters. Keep a check on the dampness of your area, especially if you are living in an area prone to flooding. A bleach solution also works to kill mold. Keep AC drip pans clean and ensure drain It is recommended that you maintain a humidity level of less than 50 percent in order to keep mold away. Similarly, never leave damp clothes or towels lying around on the floor or bunched up in a laundry basket. Mold is a blanket name for a wide variety of fungi. Keep the humidity levels in check. Minimize the humidity in and around your house. In case you see dark spots on your windows and suspect a mold problem, now is the perfect moment to call professionals to test if it is mold or not. This article was co-authored by Ashley Matuska. Humidity levels change over the course of a day so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day. Florida black mold symptoms include: Black mold exudes a musty smell and has a slippery texture. Use exhaust fans that vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure you do not have any furniture blocking airflow through your home as well. If the weather is good, spend more time outdoors. WebSimply tear open a bag or open a bucket of kitty litter and place it in the middle of the building. Have a disinfectant on hand and regularly clean your cabinets and closed spaces. Since we can blame it on dirt and moisture, in order to prevent mold, all you have to do is clean the carpets and floors thoroughly at least once during spring cleaning. If you dont have ceiling fans, you can also use standing or oscillating fans to circulate air. Your local green expert when it comes to improving a home's energy efficiency and comfort. Before leaving your Florida home, make sure any leaks or cracks are sealed. In this case, 93% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Since you need a powerful tool to clean the air ducts, you should consider hiring a professional to do the job properly to ensure your air is fresh and mold or mildew is treated properly. Florida is not only of a generally humid climate. A long-term approach to mold removal is the best way to solve the problem. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 149 people died in Ian. Step 2: Saturate the mold and surrounding area on the wall. To prevent mold from growing in your home, keep humidity levels low. %PDF-1.4 % I will definitely utilize what I learned.". 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. It is crucial to know what temperature to leave a vacant house in Florida to ensure you dont come home to an infestation. 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We can inspect your HVAC units and other areas of risk for mold. You do not need to know the type of mold. You can prevent mold growth in fiberglass insulation by keeping it dry and ventilated. Mold produces microscopic cells, also known as spores, which rapidly spread from the area of origin under the right conditions. Another thing you can do to help areas that are typically more warm and damp is to ensure proper ventilation. Ideally, you should use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, but this isn't strictly necessary. The 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. Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. This means your furnishings and homes structure can be damaged. Never point fans at moldy surfacesthat will spread the mold. No plumbing in the attic, but what about an old roof? They know how to stopped them too. Especially in areas where mold is likely to grow, such as the basement or attic. is protected from mold risks while youre away. Make sure to keep your surroundings dry. 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. From our team at All Dry USA, this is our complete guide for Florida homeowners ready to prevent mold. If you have a smart thermostat, this can be very helpful in monitoring the heat and humidity levels in your home. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Still, that doesnt mean youre entirely in the clear. You can review and change the way we collect information below. Mold and mildew thrive in warmer, damp areas. To learn more about preventing mold in your home, see the Environmental Protection Agencys book A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home at. Since low humidity environment can impact your health (for example, you can blame low level of humidity for having a sore throat), it is important to keep the level of humidity between 30-50%. If you love to read, you should be aware of dust on your bookshelves too. This will slash the risk of water leaks. No need to ruin the ocean breeze with moldy spores! Remove each book, dust or vacuum them as well as the shelves they were sitting on. This helps air flow through your home when you are away. Areas such as your bathroom, attic, and basement do not always have adequate airflow. The most common causes of mold growing on walls include: We explained humidity above, so it is time to devote a word or two to other two most common mold causes. Tear open a bucket of kitty litter and place it in the clear Hu. 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