How to Control Mold Growth in Your House

Mold can easily form in your home, especially if you live in a hot or moist climate. Mold thrives on moisture and heat, and grows best in areas where there is not proper ventilation. There are things that you can do to prevent mold from forming in your home that are quick and easy. Mold can cause health problems in people who are allergic to mold spores, and some molds are dangerous to anyone.

• Check pipes regularly - A leaky pipe can often be the cause of a big mold problem. Pipes sometimes begin to leak in your walls, and can go undetected for quite a while if not regularly checked. Be sure to inspect your plumbing regularly and watch for any small water spots on your drywall that may indicate there is moisture in the drywall beneath the surface.

• Dehumidifier - Because mold grows best in a humid environment, a dehumidifier is a great way to treat and prevent mold from forming in your home. Be sure to purchase a dehumidifier that is powerful enough to reach all of the rooms in your home. You may want to put one on each floor if you live in a two story home.

• Air purifier - An air purifier is also a great idea for preventing mold growth in your home. Mold is able to travel and spread due to the mold spores that it releases out into the air. A quality air purifier will be able to filter and eliminate any mold spores in the air, preventing them from settling on other surfaces in your home.

• Food sources - Mold often grows on fruits and vegetables if they are left in the refrigerator for long. Produce does not have a long shelve life, and even though it is cold in your refrigerator mold can still form because the conditions are just right. You can prevent this by only purchasing what you need for the next week. Produce typically will not last much longer than a week.

• House plants - Mold can sometimes form on houseplants due to overwatering them. To prevent this from happening, allow the first inch of your topsoil to become dry before watering your plants. This will prevent excess moisture from forming and causing mold to form on the top of the soil as well as the stems and leaves of your plants.