Tips to Guard Your Home Against Mold

Exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions in some people, including asthma, eye irritation, inflammation of the lungs, runny noses, and skin rashes. The good news is that it's possible to keep your home free of these indoor airborne allergens. Additionally, there are steps you can take to improve air quality by treating mold already present in your home.

To safeguard you and your family from the potential harmful health effects of mold, follow these tips on mold prevention and control issued by the National Association of Home Builders.

Clean Regularly. Vacuum and clean fastidiously, especially damps areas - such as bathrooms and basements - where mold is more likely to grow.

Don't Carpet Your Basement. Keep your basement dry by using area rugs in place of wall-to-wall carpet. Carpet can hold in moisture, which can facilitate the growth of indoor mold.

Mold-proof Your Appliances. Refrigerator drip pans should be emptied and cleaned regularly. Make sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside. Exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom should also be vented to the outside.

Use a Dehumidifier in Your Basement. Keep the air and walls in the basement dry. Even if your basement doesn't appear to be damp, its cool walls can store up moisture.

Homes that have been affected by flooding, overflowing toilets, leaking pipes and windows, sewer back-ups, or any other major water problem may be a good candidate for mold growth. The air quality due to mold growth may be compromised by such damp conditions.

If you think the indoor air quality of your home has been affected by mold growth, you have some choices. First, you can have mold testing performed by a professional. Keep in mind, however, that mold testing can take up to two weeks before any results are available. Testing for mold can also be expensive. Health agencies recommend that testing only be done as a last resort.

These tips can help you feel more confident with your efforts to keep your home and indoor air quality higher by safeguarding against the growth of mold.