by Guest

Dealing with mold can be a scary thing, but it doesn’t have to be.  Follow the five steps below to eliminate and prevent mold problems, so you and your family can move on to enjoying a healthy home:

Keep it Dry! Maintain indoor relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent, using dehumidifiers as required.  New houses require constant dehumidification, according to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer: an inexpensive device found at many hardware stores.

Circulate, Circulate, Circulate! Nothing helps moisture breed quicker than stale, dead air.  Ensure ventilation of humid areas such as bathrooms and attics, and of moisture-producing appliances, such as clothes dryers. Encourage air exchange by opening doors and windows when possible; indoor mold spore counts are typically higher than outdoor counts.  Consider ceiling fans in several areas of your home (and keep them on as much as possible).  Air conditioning also helps circulate air in the home.

Seal it Properly. Avoid condensation-related moisture by properly sealing windows and insulating cold water pipes and air conditioning vents.

Investigate Monthly. Monitor mold hotspots such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements and attics for evidence of mold. It might be a good idea to take a look around these areas once a month.  Look for surface discoloration and ‘follow your nose’ – that musty, earthy smell could be hidden mold.

Treat it Right Away! If you find mold treat it immediately. However, there are more friendly products than bleach that are available. Treating mold can be something that homeowners can do easily themselves but beware if you have mold that makes up more than a 10ft x 3ft space — you should call in a professional to take a look.

This article has been provided by Concrobium®, makers of an earth friendly method to kill and prevent mold that is approved by Health Canada called Concrobium Mold Control®.

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