Keeping a house clean should always be a top priority as it helps maintain the health and wellness of the family. But how can we sustain a healthy living environment in our home if there are damages that are not fixed such as leaks, water or excess moisture? 

A simple plumbing leak can lead to rotting of floors, ceilings, and walls, and even worse, a possibility for household mold to grow, which can cause allergies and infections in the family. 

Fortunately, there are ways how to prevent mold growth at home after water damage, or plumbing leak. This article will walk you through the steps you can take to avoid the mold to grow.

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus made up of tiny organisms found almost everywhere, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. It is one of the few organisms that does not require light to grow and thrives in dark, damp places, thus the reason why it’s common in bathrooms, window sills, and roof leaks. It can be black, white, orange, green, or purple.

How Does Mold Grow?

Mold reproduces with tiny spores. Spores are invisible to the naked eye and float indoor and outdoor air. Mold can start growing indoors when mold spores land on damp surfaces, thus it is very important to repair the water damage or damp areas at home as soon as you discover them. There are many types of mold, none of which can grow without water and moisture.

How Can Mold Affect Everyone?

Exposure to a damp, moldy environment produces a range of health effects or no effects at all. Some people are sensitive to mold. These people can experience symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, redness and itching in the eyes and skin when exposed to mold, which may lead to severe reactions such as fever and shortness of breath.

How To Prevent Mold At Home and/or Building Apartment? 

As part of routine building maintenance, inspect the building for signs of water damage and visible mold, and repair damages that cause mold growth such as water leaks, condensation, infiltration, or flooding.

You can control mold in your home by the following steps:

• Repair water leaks immediately. Remove excess water and use a fan to dry the area.
• Repair or replace leaking or sweating windows as moisture can build up on frames and sills.
• Use an air conditioner and dehumidifier to keep the humidity in your home below 50%. Replace filters and service air conditioners and furnaces as recommended.
• Avoid carpeting rooms such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.
• Keep your home well ventilated. Exhaust fans should vent to the outdoors if possible. Use an exhaust fan or open a window when showering or bathing.
• Use a mildew-killing cleaning agent. Wipe the tiles and dry the shower curtain.
• Do not stack wet towels or clothes on top of each other or leave them in the laundry basket or washing machine.
• Make sure water is drained from your home.
• Use anti-mildew products for wall paint. Make sure the surface is dry before applying paint.

A little maintenance at home can make mold less likely to grow indoors. If you have mold stains in your home, follow the steps we recommended on how to prevent mold growth at home, and consult a doctor if you have been exposed to it and are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above. You may also reach out to a professional mold remediation specialist to do the job.

For more information regarding mold, check with CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).