Cold and wet winter months can create the perfect atmosphere for mold to grow. When water from rain, sleet and snow during the winter months gets tracked inside, the increased moisture can create more humid conditions inside your home, allowing mold to grow more quickly. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to reduce and control mold growth in your home this season. Read these tips from ServiceMaster Restore® to as safe and mold-free as possible.
Tips to Control Mold Growth in Winter
- Keep indoor humidity below 45%. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the best way to control indoor mold growth is to carefully monitor and maintain your home's moisture level. If the humidity in your home rises, look for the sources of added moisture and address the problem as soon as possible. Place a dehumidifier in these rooms to lower the moisture level until a permanent solution is found.
- Set ceiling fans in reverse. Your fans should turn counterclockwise in the summer and clockwise in the winter. If you set your ceiling fans to turn clockwise during chilly winter months, you will pull cold air up and draw the warmer air downward, which can both save you money on energy bills and keep your home a bit warmer. Good air circulation will also keep condensation from building up on cold walls and windows, where it can be a potential source of mold growth.
- Use exhaust fans in the bathroom, kitchen and other areas of the home that frequently accumulate excessive moisture. Good air circulation can help ensure that moisture doesn't have a chance to sit and promote mold growth.
- Clean and repair roof gutters regularly, especially if there is an abundance of dead leaves stuck in them. While you're at it, make sure that the area around the downspouts is graded, so that any water coming off your roof flows away from your foundation, rather than sitting close to your home where it can pool and contribute to mold growth.
Call a professional
If you can't readily see a moisture problem but you find traces of mold growing in your home, it may be time to seek professional help from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore®. Our home restoration specialists have the training, experience and equipment to treat, reduce and control mold safely and effectively so your home can become your personal safe haven again. Let us use our proven expertise to create a comprehensive mold remediation plan that can prevent long-term damage to your home and health.