Mold will grow in just about any place that has moisture. It serves an important purpose outdoors but creates problems in buildings. Just because mold is common does not mean that it should be ignored. Mold can cause serious health issues. You can discourage mold growth in your home by avoiding the following 5 mistakes that cause mold.
One of the Mistakes That Cause Mold is Lack of Bathroom Ventilation
Steam from the shower creates an environment for mold to grow. You can prevent mold from growing on the surfaces by turning on the ventilation fan during or after a shower. You can also leave the bathroom window open during or after a shower to give the moisture somewhere to escape. One of the biggest mistakes that cause mold is showering without promoting ventilation.
Drying Racks
Clothes drying racks are a cheap and popular alternative to a dryer. A clothes dryer is a big investment and also raises your energy bill. However, air-drying clothes indoors is one of the mistakes that cause mold. This is especially true of wooden drying racks that absorb moisture. Keep your drying rack mold-free by spacing clothing as far apart as possible and not letting it overlap. You can also speed up the drying process by placing an oscillating fan in front of the rack. The best ways to prevent mold while drying clothes are air-drying them outside or using a clothes dryer.
Damp Clothing
Drying racks are not the only place in your home that can harbor mold. Closets, coat racks, and shoe racks can also become moldy when damp shoes, raincoats, and other outdoor gear are hung to dry on them. If possible, dry these items in the dryer or with a towel to prevent mold on both the clothing and the area where you hang it.
Dirty Dishes
The kitchen sink is another common place for mold to grow. Leaving wet, dirty dishes in the sink lets mold and bacteria grow and spread. Clean your dishes promptly, and once they are done spray and wipe out the sink. You can avoid this mistake that causes mold by putting your dishes in the dishwasher instead of leaving them in the sink. Scrub any extra food bits from the dirty dishes first.
Mistakes That Cause Mold: Ignoring Spills
You should clean up any spills as soon as possible. Moisture can become trapped under carpeting, where it can become a breeding ground for mold. Keep carpet cleaning products on hand to clean the carpet thoroughly.
Follow the above tips so you won’t make the mistakes that cause mold in your home.
Alpharetta Property Inspections offers home inspection services to North Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Cobb, Dekalb, and Cherokee counties in Georgia. Contact us to request an appointment.