- June 13, 2019
During the summer season, cases of mold growth spike. Mold thrives in moist, warm conditions, and given the high humidity levels and warmth that the summer season brings, it makes sense that indoor mold growth surges. In Seattle, these conditions, combined with high levels of rain that fall throughout the city, the conditions for mold growth are even more suitable for mold growth.
Fortunately, there are things that you can do to prevent mold from taking over your home. Here are some tips to follow to keep your home mold-free during the summer season.
Preventing Mold
In order for mold to grow, mold is a necessity. As such, moisture control is the best way to prevent the fungus from growing in your home. Showering, using your dishwasher, running your washing machine, and using your air conditioning system or units are all things that can increase the risk of mold growth, especially during the summer season. So, make sure to make every effort to keep your home dry. Run exhaust fans in your bathroom when showering, and make sure that the vent outside. Check to make sure that there aren’t any water leaks or condensation developing around your appliances. If you see moisture on the walls, ceilings, or floors, wipe it up right away. If your home is particularly humid, consider getting a dehumidifier. The CDC recommends keeping the humidity below 50 percent.
If your home has a crawl space, installing a sheet of polyethylene can help to prevent moisture development, which will keep mold a bay. If your basement is damp, run a dehumidifier to keep things dry.
Check on items you keep in storage, too, such as clothing, cardboard, or paper. All of these materials are ideal spots for mold colonization when they become damp.
Check for plumbing leaks, too. Pools of water can quickly develop mold. If you spot leaks, dry up any water and have them repaired as soon as possible.
How to Handle Mold Growth
If you spot mold, you need to act quickly. Once it gets hold of a surface, it can be difficult to remove if it’s left untreated. Additionally, it can spread throughout your home, and eventually, you could have a serious infestation on your hands.
If you find mold in a small area, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises using a mixture of bleach and water to scrub it down. If the patch is larger than 10 square-feet, however, or you are uncomfortable cleaning it yourself, hire a professional mold remediation company.
It’s best to hire separate mold testing and remediation companies. A mold testing company can confirm the existence of the substance and the extent of the problem, while a company that specializes on in remediation can address the problem. Hiring separate companies means you won’t have to worry about a company that offers both services claiming that a problem exists, when in fact, it doesn’t, just so they can make a profit.
Mold Inspection & Testing Seattle has years of experience performing mold assessments in Seattle. We suggest all homeowners schedule regular mold testing to ensure that if they do have a problem, it can be addressed as soon as possible. To speak with an MI&T representative, call 206.607.6895.
