Many of us look forward to the warmer weather and sunnier days of summer. Unfortunately, summer can also bring higher humidity, which can encourage mold, particularly in those areas of the home that are especially humid like your kitchen, bathrooms and basement. Here we’ll delve into some top tips to help you prevent mold issues this summer.
Since both kitchens and bathrooms can be prone to humidity and moisture, it is crucial that there is an effective barrier to protect your home. Grout is a common sealant in bathrooms and kitchen tile, but it can degrade rapidly if you don’t take care. Even small cracks can create an ideal environment for mold to develop. So, take a little time to check your tile grout and patch up any cracks or damage as and when needed.
Ventilation, particularly in bathrooms can make a massive difference when it comes to mold issues. Showers and baths can leave lots of condensation, so it is crucial that there is sufficient airflow in your bathrooms.
If you don’t want mold to take hold in your bathrooms, consider how you will introduce air to reduce the humidity and tackle condensation issues. This may mean using air vents or if this is not possible, cracking the bathroom door a little to allow some steam out and cooler air from other areas of your home to enter. This will help you to avoid opening a window, particularly if it is hot outside and you don’t want to allow your conditioned air to escape.
A leaky pipe can not only create optimum conditions for mold, but it could also lead to costly water damage. So, it is well worth developing the habit of periodically checking your pipes for any signs of leaks. This will be easier in some areas of your home than others. It is fairly easy to look under the kitchen sink to see if there are any drips or check for signs of drips under your water heater. In other areas of your home you may need to be a little more creative. Listen out for any signs of dripping water behind walls or in the ceilings. If you spot any spots or marks on your drywall, don’t ignore it, as you could have mold starting to develop out of sight.
Don’t Delay Clean Up
Mold issues will not correct themselves. So, if you spot any signs of mold, even if it is just an odd dot or two, don’t delay cleaning it up. In many cases, you may be able to tackle the mold and then correct any underlying issues.
If the mold infestation is severe, you may need to call in professional remediation services. But, you may be able to get the mold under control with a white vinegar spray. You can spray the affected area and allow it to sit for approximately an hour before you return to scrub it off with warm water.
If you have concerns about water leaks and mold issues, a reputable and experienced plumber will be able to help.