Minimizing Mold In Your Home. According to the EPA, “it is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be bound floating through the air and in house dust.” Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings (EPA Document 402-K-01-001). Though the presence of mold inside of the home can never be completely eliminated, positive steps can be taken to reduce the occurrence of mold growth. Some of the steps recommended by the EPA are as follows:
(i) When water leaks or spills occur indoors, act quickly. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24 – 48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.
(ii) Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
(iii) Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.
(iv) Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
(v) Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (60%) (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity.
(vi) If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes, act quickly to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.
(vii) Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible.
(viii) Use air conditions and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
(ix) Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.
(x) Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation. A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home (EPA Document 402-K-02-003).
Minimizing Mold In Your Home. According to the EPA, “it is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be bound floating through the air and in house dust.” • When water leaks or spills occur indoors, act quickly. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow. • Clean and repair roof gutters regularly. • Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation. • Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly. • Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. • If you see condensation or moisture collection on windows, walls or pipes, act quickly to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity. • Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible. • Use air conditions and/or de-humidifiers when needed. • Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc. • Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation. [Source: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home (EPA Document 402-K-02-003).]
