Mold, the very word, is enough to make a person cringe. Mold can be useful. It is essential to make brie and penicillin, for example, and necessary for the decomposition of organic matter in nature, but it can also be terrible. Especially when it grows undetected in your home,
Mold spores spread quickly and cannot be wholly eradicated. Mold can grow anywhere: on carpet, clothing, food, paper, and even in places you can't see, such as the backside of drywall, areas inside walls around leaking or condensing pipes, and above ceiling tiles. Not only is a mold problem difficult and costly to fix, but mold can also produce allergens and irritants (and, rarely, toxins) that may compromise your health.
IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM AREAS IN YOUR HOME AND CORRECT THEM
You can't mold-proof your home, but you can make it mold-resistant. Do an audit of your home: where are the problem areas? Does the basement flood? Do you notice frequent condensation on an upstairs window? Is there a water stain on the ceiling from a persistent leak? Preventing mold from growing or spreading might be as simple as ripping up carpet in a damp basement, installing mold-resistant products, or repairing damaged gutters. Or it may be a matter of major excavation and waterproofing. Whatever the case, address the problem now. It might cost some money upfront, but it will surely be more costly down the road if the mold continues to grow unchecked.
DRY WET AREAS IMMEDIATELY
Mold cannot grow without moisture, so tackle wet areas right away. Seepage into the basement after heavy rainfall, accumulation from a leaky pipe, even a spill on the carpet should be dried within 24 to 48 hours. If you've experienced a flood, remove water-damaged carpets, bedding, and furniture if they can't be completely dried.
PREVENT MOISTURE WITH PROPER VENTILATION
It may be that your routine domestic activities are encouraging the growth of mold in your home. Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn't invite mold by providing proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture area.
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