Mold is an unwelcome guest anytime of the year. It has the potential to harm your health – particularly if you suffer from mold allergies – and ruin parts of your home or the items in it. And while there are particular conditions that help mold to flourish, it’s unfortunately a problem you need to watch out for throughout the year.
Fall Mold Bloom
The fall climate in many areas of the country has certain atmospheric qualities that foster mold growth outdoors. Musty piles of leaves and other decaying matter are hotbeds for mold growth, and disturbances to these areas generate a lot of airborne spore activity. Allergy sufferers are warned to take care to avoid disturbing natural mold growth areas and take other proactive measures to prevent significant exposure.
Yearlong Threat
Indoors, mold activity is a problem any month of the year. Moist areas are particularly attractive to mold blooms and can attract spores at any time. If you have leaks in your home, you must repair them as quickly as possible to minimize the likelihood of mold.
Additionally, humid homes attract mold more quickly than do non-humid homes, as mold flourishes at humidity levels of 30% or higher. If you live in a humid climate, there is little you can do to reduce the humidity, so keeping your home clean and as dry as possible is essential.
Keeping your home well ventilated – particularly in areas like the bathroom and basement – will provide essential air flow to keep things nice and dry. You can use exhaust systems for large dank areas, like the basement to facilitate the best air flow. Even making simple changes, like moving large furniture and bookshelves away from exterior walls will make a difference when it comes to moving the air around.
Regular Maintenance
Keeping your home clean is the best way to fight mold, and there are some big tasks that should be done on a yearly or quarterly basis. Thoroughly clean your carpets and upholstery regularly, and clean up spills or wet spots as soon as they happen. Also make sure that your bedding and sheets are regularly cleaned and stored in a dry linen closet to keep mold growth at bay.
By following some simple steps for prevention and addressing mold issues as soon as they occur, you can keep your home and life mold-free.
