It’s no secret that mold loves moisture. High humidity levels in summer breed moisture, so hence, mold can grow. You may assume that just because you don’t have areas of standing water in your home that mold can’t grow in the most unusual of places. Your carpet is one of those.
Humid climates allow for the perfect conditions for fungi to grow and thrive. That’s because the frequent precipitation and high humidity can produce large amounts of moisture, which can contribute to the fast reproduction of mold spores.
When excessive moisture and humid temperatures meet, this creates the perfect storm for mold growth, which can lead to health consequences and allergic reactions, not to mention costly property damage.
Professional carpet cleaners in Detroit MI use powerful equipment and high water temperatures to destroy mold and bacteria. But there are other ways you can prevent humidity from overtaking your home this summer.
Equalize the Conditions
It’s unrealistic to think you can prevent mold spores from getting into your home (they’re everywhere outside and easily get into your home through open doors and windows, air ducts and vents, or on clothing, shoes, and bags), nor keep mold’s favorite “foods” away (think: organic materials, such as wood, carpet, paper, paint, insulation, plasterboard, fabrics, furniture, and dust).
The only thing you can do is to equalize the conditions in your home to ensure you’re not exacerbating the problem and welcoming mold to grow. Here are some tips:
1. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Welcome fresh air and ensure proper ventilation. Stale air offers the ideal condition for mold spores to proliferate because they can grow and reproduce undisturbed. Make sure fresh air is always circulating through your home. You can do this by:
- Opening windows on nice days
- Keeping doors open between rooms
- Moving furniture away from the walls
- Keeping air ducts clean
- Opening drawers and closet doors
- Reducing clutter
- Running fans and ACs to improve the airflow
- Running exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens
2. Control Condensation
Mold will grow on areas that have condensation, such as metal pipes, windows, and concrete walls. To prevent condensation in the first place, keep the indoor temperature higher and humidity lower. Having enough insulation is one way to go about this. But you can also run dehumidifiers to control the indoor climate and keep humidity low – ideally below 50 percent.
3. Use Mold-Resistant Products
In your home, use mold-resistant materials wherever you can, such as plastic, glass or metal household surfaces rather than wooden ones, moisture-resistant drywall, and paint containing mildewcides.
4. Clean, Dust, and Disinfect Surfaces
Frequent cleaning will remove mold spores from surfaces while reducing the presence of dirt and grime. Wash and disinfect hard surfaces in your home regularly and dry thoroughly. Dust and vacuum your furniture, carpets, and draperies often, as 80 percent of mold in a home grows on dust. Have your carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned one to two times annually.
Contact 1st Class Carpet Cleaning and Restoration
Call 1st Class Carpet Cleaning and Restoration at (248) 491-3088 to book your appointment before the humidity of summer really settles in.
