\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. It is very important to understand that mold is allergenic, no matter which type it is. If you have a programmable thermostat, we suggest running your A/C cooler overnight. Keep an eye on the humidity levels. Pay special attention to kitchen and bathroom windows as steam can be one of the mildew and mold triggers. 2- Reduce Clutter. Depending on your type of system and usage frequency, a new filter should be installed at least once every three months or sooner if recommended by the manufacturer. 0000001246 00000 n If the weather allows it, you can put them back while they are still wet and leave the windows wide open. Download the industry-standard guidelines that Mold Busters use in their own mold removal services, including news, tips and special offers: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Published: August 20, 2018 Updated: February 24, 2023, Written by: John Ward Account Executive Mold Busters, Fact checked by: Michael Golubev General Manager Mold Busters. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Income Realty Home Watch is the #1 home watch company in Miami Dade County. The actual mold prevention process can be as simple as checking and installing mold-resistant products or it may include waterproofing and roof fixing. 6 Things to Do When Your Ceiling is Flooded, A small amount of water in the air of a closed-in space, Drying surfaces that have water accumulating (such as a shower right after use), Maintaining air circulation via air conditioning, ceiling fan, or dehumidifier. Throw them away and swap your newspaper-buying habit for reading online. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Most stone and tile floors can be easily treated with a special paste or liquid wax. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. However, the combination of warm temperatures and frequent rainfall means Florida homes are likely to have problems with high humidity. They know how to stopped them too. Florida summers are best known for a few particular things: heat, rain, and humidity. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 0000015442 00000 n Other areas include basements, roofs, and water sources like the laundry rooms, bathrooms, or any place with a sink. Set your thermostat between 78-80 degrees while youre goneany higher and youll most likely have excessive moisture from the humidity. 87% of homes we tested have mold?! trailer << /Size 49 /Info 26 0 R /Encrypt 33 0 R /Root 32 0 R /Prev 37115 /ID[<0cd2ad5d7b618c5233f38c40ec4913f7>] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 32 0 obj << /Pages 29 0 R /Type /Catalog /Metadata 30 0 R >> endobj 33 0 obj << /Filter /Standard /R 3 /O (Cj!-_ DRL[@) /U (yO \r; ) /P -1324 /V 2 /Length 128 >> endobj 47 0 obj << /S 171 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 48 0 R >> stream This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. One way to do this is by installing extra gutters if necessary to direct rainwater away from your home. To prevent mold from growing in your home, keep humidity levels low. If a small part of a book is wet, not only can this damage it, but it can also bring about mold. Warm temperatures, high levels of moisture in the air, and poor ventilation are perfect conditions for mold. Mold and mildew can be found inside the air ducts, thus it is recommended that you clean them regularly to prevent mold from forming in those hidden places. Also, good sampling for mold can be expensive, and there are no set standards for what is and what is not an acceptable quantity of different kinds of mold in a home. Keeping your insulation clean, dry, and well-ventilated. You can buy a meter to check your homes humidity at a home improvement store. The ideal humidity level in the house should be between 30% and 50%. WebHow molds are developed and causes are clearly comprehended by South Apopka mold removal and mold remediation experts. Mold grows on paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly Canadian. Address leaks in your gutters as soon as you notice them. We can make the right steps to ensure your home (and vehicle!) This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you do not have a programmable thermostat, keep your A/C set no higher than 76 degrees. Sadly, Collsons death was part of a larger trend. If you must remove the mold yourself, follow these steps: Wear Protective Gear: If you are removing any damaged property on your own, make sure you wear protective eye masks or goggles, filter face masks, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and waterproof boots to avoid contact with the mold. The best way to prevent mold in your home is to keep your windows open as often as possible, as mold isnt a fan of fresh air. The CDC says to follow with a mixture of one cup household chlorine bleach to one gallon of water, rinse and allow to dry. 0000015420 00000 n This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Moisture is the biggest contributor to mold development. Mold will directly or indirectly cause health problems for people who live in close proximity to it. 0000001460 00000 n When you leave your home for the summer months, you probably want to prevent mold growth. Check Humidity Levels Humidity is one of the most significant contributors to mold growth. Check behind your furniture for mold, and if it is mold-free, clean it with a damp cloth, warm water and mild detergent. These conditions are easily created in a Florida home. With Bens knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Your email address will not be published. Try a dehumidifier to dry out some of the moisture in the house. By taking these simple steps, you can help prevent mold growth in insulation. These conditions are easily created in a Florida home. If you are a seasonal resident in Florida, this season may be tricky for you. Using air conditioning in the warmer months will help keep humidity down inside of your home as well. EPA-registered formula crushes mold spores as it dries and leaves an invisible barrier. 3- Repair Leaks in Your Homes Plumbing Systems. Once the area is cleaned, be sure that is thoroughly dried. As a matter of fact, fungi make up 25% of the Earths biomass. and that there are spots for water to leak in. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Some of these difficulties include: Apart from the adverse health effects of mold, they will also damage the structures of the home and impair the aesthetics and by extension, the value of your property. The bad news is that most of your Florida home is susceptible to mold growth. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Luckily for us, not all types of mold are toxic. For some people, mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash. There are over 300,000 types of mold, but Florida most commonly has these three species: Aspergillus (found on rotten produce), Cladosporium (a black or green mold from damp spots), and Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as black mold which poses a danger to health). Due to the high humidity levels in the summer, peak hours can average at a 90% humidity level when only 55% is required for mold to spread. For example, if your vehicle isnt properly stored in a controlled environment, mold can eat away at the leather seats and steering wheel in your absence and go unnoticed until your return. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. From our team at All Dry USA, this is our complete guide for Florida homeowners ready to prevent mold. Ideally, you should use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, but this isn't strictly necessary. People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions. Understanding the differences makes picking what insulation to use for your home easy. This is achieved by doing a thorough assessment of the home to identify moisture, water, and ventilation issues that predispose it to mold. Ask a landlord-tenant lawyer and get answers ASAP. Mold prevention efforts should be just as consistent. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. It is one type of mold that can be lethal for anyone exposed to it. This is achieved by doing a thorough assessment of the home to identify moisture, water, and ventilation issues that predispose it to mold. Even if you are taking a shorter vacation, it is still vital that you keep your home protected from mold. Together with a mold or mildew test, mold experts will inform you about the best way to treat the problem you are dealing with in order to prevent its further growth. To avoid water leaks and dampness in your home, be sure to follow these steps: A huge number of Florida residents are seasonal. 0000015118 00000 n You can prevent insulation mold by Making sure the insulation is properly One of the top tips on how to reduce mold in homes that are unoccupied for extended periods is to check that the thermostat is set to a low temperature before leaving. 8 references cited in this browser for the next time I comment home versions are usually not suitable for job... Should do, home Watch company in Miami Dade County ceiling how to prevent mold in florida homes, you agree to our Policy. Relatively easily with a special paste or liquid wax such as your bathroom, attic, and only can!, let professionals test it for you professionals test it for you of. 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