Tips for Preventing Mold During the Winter Months

Like most things that tend to live outside, mold has a way of finding its way indoors when winter blows in. And while you might be concerned with getting rid of a few mice living behind your walls, mold could be thriving throughout your home for months, just waiting to erupt in a full-blown problem come spring.

How do you know if you have mold during the winter? More importantly, what steps can you take to prevent it from rooting and spreading in your home? Relax—mold prevention in Portland, OR is easier than you think. You just need to be mindful of a few simple tips.

Keep things clean

Cleanliness is the key to preventing mold. This means keeping every aspect of your home clean—from surfaces to the air circulation, inside nooks and crannies and anywhere there’s the potential for growth. Take it upon yourself to give your home a thorough, deep clean at least once before the winter season strikes. Then, it’s a smart idea to do regular upkeep throughout the season until your next major spring cleaning.

Monitor water

Water is the single biggest catalyst for mold growth. The simplest way to prevent mold from taking root is to eliminate any water that might make for a hospitable breeding ground. Key areas to consider are bathrooms, laundry areas, exposed plumbing junctions, under sinks and by drains. Simple tips include mopping up any pooled water, fixing any slow leaks and using a dehumidifier in areas suffering from recurring moisture.

Check unused areas

Areas where you least suspect mold will grow are where it almost certainly will take root. A smart approach to mold prevention in Portland, OR is to stay vigilant about the areas that don’t seem to matter. Check crawlspaces, attics, utility closets and basements routinely for any sign of mold growth. Moreover, treat these areas specifically to prevent moisture buildup—either with dehumidifiers or mold-stopping products.

Circulate air

Mold tends to travel and take root through your airways. If you’re diligent about eradicating mold-forming conditions, it’s important to pay attention to your air circulation as well. Have your vents cleaned and your furnace filter changed routinely during the winter months. Also, pay close attention to smells or staleness in the air. Making sure you have clean, well-circulated air will prevent spores from entering the mix.

What to do when you find mold

If, despite your best attempts to stop it, you find mold in your home, it’s critical to act fast. Call a remediation expert first and foremost. Don’t try and tackle it yourself! Mold can be extremely dangerous—especially black mold. A remediation expert will be able to eradicate your existing mold, make sure it hasn’t spread and tell you what caused it to form in the first place. This will help you identify areas you may need to monitor or treat in the future.

Mold may not be at the top of your wintertime concerns, but it’s still something to monitor in your home. Do a swift check and a deep clean today, and make sure you’re staying aware of mold-forming conditions in your home this season.

Categorised in: Mold Prevention

This post was written by Writer