Lately, your home has begun to smell of mold.  That musty odor permeates all through your house.  You have no idea why, or how, the smell is there, you only know that it’s there and you want it gone.  The odor isn’t so bad during the winter months, but when it rains, or during the summer, the musty odor is really strong.  Where did it come from?

Mold is normally caused by an accumulation of water that has leaked through a broken window, a roof, or a leaky pipe.  If you’ve recently had a flooded basement, mold is almost sure to develop. It can grow on practically any surface that can absorb and hold moisture. 

Many health problems can be attributed to mold growth in your home.  It could be a stuffy nose, coughing and wheezing, or something as serious as a lung infection (for those who have chronic lung disease). 

To avoid health problems associated with mold growth, and to keep your home from smelling musty, here are a few tips for keeping your home mold free.

  • *Make sure that the humidity levels in your home are kept low.  50% or lower is considered a low humidity reading.  By running an air conditioner or dehumidifier, you can help keep  humidity levels low. 
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  • *Purchase a humidity meter to better monitor your home’s moisture level.  Through the day, the humidity level in your home will vary, so make sure you check the meter on a regular basis.
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  • *Try to keep constant airflow through your home.  Exhaust fans that vent bathroom and kitchen steam will help to keep your home’s level low.  Always have your clothes dryer vented to an outside location.
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  • *Leaks anywhere in and around your house can be an accelerant for mold growth.  Fix any leaks that allow moisture to enter.
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  • *If your home becomes flooded, cleaning and drying it out as soon as possible (within 48 hours) can stem the formation of mold.  Remove carpets or rugs that have become soaked by flooding. 
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  • *Keep bathrooms free of mold by using mold-killing cleaning products.
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  • *When painting, add a mold inhibitor to the paint before you begin.  They are available at paint and hardware stores.

Once it has begun to grow inside your home, mold can be very difficult to eradicate.  It can grow between walls, in the smallest of corners, even in your attic.  With proper maintenance and vigilance, it is possible to keep your home mold-free.  If you notice a musty smell that won’t go away, call a mold removal specialist right away.  The health of you and your family depends on it.