Mold is a part of everyday life. It’s in the air, our food, and even us. As many Everett residents are likely aware, mold can grow nearly anywhere if it has the right conditions.
However, mold can pose serious health risks for allergies or asthma if it becomes too abundant.
Luckily for us, we can take steps to reduce moisture in Everett homes and halt mold growth before it becomes a serious problem. Some of the tips for Everett mold removal include:
1. Keep your home clean and dry.
It can be hard to remember this step, but it’s essential: keep mold from growing in the first place by keeping any surfaces that could support its growth as clean and dry as possible.
That means cleaning away any standing water, wiping down surfaces with a weak bleach solution if they’re damp, and allowing any damp surfaces to dry before covering or putting them away.
2. Keep your storage containers clean.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the items you store in your home can support mold growth.
Mold needs damp materials to grow, so all store items must be completely dry before they’re covered up. As a rule, if an item is damp when you put it away – it shouldn’t be put away.
3. Store your objects in the right place.
Keep your stored objects out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources (like fireplaces or radiators).
When possible, keep them in a cupboard or closet instead of an attic or basement – the dark, enclosed space helps prevent mold growth.
4. Place a dehumidifier in your storage area.
If you want to make sure that no dampness can get trapped inside any cupboards or closets where you’re storing objects, place a small dehumidifier inside.
Dehumidifiers are particularly useful if you have damp items that aren’t supposed to be dry but must be kept separate from your other stored items.
5. Keep all of your storage containers sealed.
If any moisture is trapped inside the container with an item, mold will certainly grow.
That’s why it’s so important to keep all storage containers sealed as tightly as possible – even if the contents are completely dry.
6. Allow any dampness that remains after storing an item to dry.
If you’ve done everything right – cleaned and dried any damp surfaces, make sure your stored objects are completely dry before sealing them away – but you still notice some moisture in your storage areas, leave it alone.
The moisture will eventually evaporate on its own, so there’s no reason to wipe or scrub anything down.
7. Replace air filters regularly.
Mold loves to dust and pet hair – so if you have allergies or sensitivities to either of those things, one of your best defenses is to keep your filters clean.
Replace them at least once every few weeks to help prevent mold from accumulating in your ventilation ducts and on other surfaces.
8. Keep humidity levels low.
In areas where humidity is high, it’s important to have working air conditioners and dehumidifiers that you maintain regularly – if not year-round, then at least during the summer, when the air is most humid.
9. Use protective covers.
Suppose you’re storing any items that can’t be cleaned or dried easily (like fabric or papier mache).
In that case, they need to be wrapped in something breathable – like tissue paper, dry cleaning bags, plastic wrap, or even just plastic grocery bags.
This prevents moisture from being trapped against the surface of the object you’re storing, which can quickly lead to mold formation.
10. Don’t store any items that are damaged.
If an item is even slightly damaged – if it has a rip or tear or loses bits of paint, for example – don’t place it in storage.
That minor flaw is enough to allow moisture in, which can quickly lead to mold growth.
Conclusion.
Mold can be a major problem if it is allowed to grow. Mold will consume the air and moisture of your home, making you sick in the process. You must know how to prevent mold from growing at all costs!