how to prevent mold in florida homes

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Wipe the walls and get rid of any spider web you see. Other This is why buildings in the state have a higher than average chance of harboring mold. Not only will you strip mold of its food, but you will also make your home more eco-friendly. Most molds are harmless and a lot of them are even beneficial. There are ways to prevent insulation from moldy, even in a state as humid as Florida. This ensures proper temperature control and prevents leaks and condensation buildup. Snowbirds take refuge here for the winter and often close up their homes in the summer for over 6 months at a time. Mold needs moisture to grow and the best way to prevent this from happening is to cut the liquid source from them. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction. These are toxigenic molds (which will cause illness in people), pathogenic molds (which worsen existing health issues), and allergenic molds (which trigger allergic reactions or aggravate asthma). In winter, if you have to hang clothes to dry inside, make sure the room is well-ventilated, that air is circulating, and that air and moisture from inside are pushed outside with fans. It is imperative for those living in the Sunshine State to know just how to prevent mildew in Florida. This article was co-authored by Ashley Matuska. Due to the high humidity levels in the summer, peak hours can average at a 90% humidity level when only 55% is required for mold to spread. Wash and dry, or throw away, moldy bedding, towels, clothing, and draperies. WebUse undiluted white vinegar on hard surfaces in kitchens and baths. Since mold grows best in dark areas, open your curtains during the day to let the sun in. Ashley Matuska is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado. Here is what you need to know about mold, the risk it poses, and the actions you can take to prevent mold or remove it from your home. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. A bleach solution also works to kill mold. endstream endobj 48 0 obj 188 endobj 34 0 obj << /Type /Page /Parent 27 0 R /Resources << /Font << /F0 35 0 R /F1 38 0 R /F2 42 0 R >> /ProcSet 45 0 R >> /Contents 39 0 R /MediaBox [ 0 0 612 792 ] /CropBox [ 0 0 612 792 ] /Rotate 0 >> endobj 35 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /TrueType /Name /F0 /BaseFont /Arial,Bold /FirstChar 32 /LastChar 255 /Widths [ 278 333 474 556 556 889 722 238 333 333 389 584 278 333 278 278 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 333 333 584 584 584 611 975 722 722 722 722 667 611 778 722 278 556 722 611 833 722 778 667 778 722 667 611 722 667 944 667 667 611 333 278 333 584 556 333 556 611 556 611 556 333 611 611 278 278 556 278 889 611 611 611 611 389 556 333 611 556 778 556 556 500 389 280 389 584 750 556 750 278 556 500 1000 556 556 333 1000 667 333 1000 750 611 750 750 278 278 500 500 350 556 1000 333 1000 556 333 944 750 500 667 278 333 556 556 556 556 280 556 333 737 370 556 584 333 737 552 400 549 333 333 333 576 556 278 333 333 365 556 834 834 834 611 722 722 722 722 722 722 1000 722 667 667 667 667 278 278 278 278 722 722 778 778 778 778 778 584 778 722 722 722 722 667 667 611 556 556 556 556 556 556 889 556 556 556 556 556 278 278 278 278 611 611 611 611 611 611 611 549 611 611 611 611 611 556 611 556 ] /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding /FontDescriptor 37 0 R >> endobj 36 0 obj << /Type /FontDescriptor /FontName /Arial /Flags 32 /FontBBox [ -250 -212 1068 1000 ] /MissingWidth 244 /StemV 80 /StemH 80 /ItalicAngle 0 /CapHeight 905 /XHeight 453 /Ascent 905 /Descent -212 /Leading 150 /MaxWidth 890 /AvgWidth 441 >> endobj 37 0 obj << /Type /FontDescriptor /FontName /Arial,Bold /Flags 16416 /FontBBox [ -250 -212 1201 1000 ] /MissingWidth 333 /StemV 153 /StemH 153 /ItalicAngle 0 /CapHeight 905 /XHeight 453 /Ascent 905 /Descent -212 /Leading 150 /MaxWidth 1001 /AvgWidth 479 >> endobj 38 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /TrueType /Name /F1 /BaseFont /Arial /FirstChar 32 /LastChar 255 /Widths [ 278 278 355 556 556 889 667 191 333 333 389 584 278 333 278 278 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 278 278 584 584 584 556 1015 667 667 722 722 667 611 778 722 278 500 667 556 833 722 778 667 778 722 667 611 722 667 944 667 667 611 278 278 278 469 556 333 556 556 500 556 556 278 556 556 222 222 500 222 833 556 556 556 556 333 500 278 556 500 722 500 500 500 334 260 334 584 750 556 750 222 556 333 1000 556 556 333 1000 667 333 1000 750 611 750 750 222 222 333 333 350 556 1000 333 1000 500 333 944 750 500 667 278 333 556 556 556 556 260 556 333 737 370 556 584 333 737 552 400 549 333 333 333 576 537 278 333 333 365 556 834 834 834 611 667 667 667 667 667 667 1000 722 667 667 667 667 278 278 278 278 722 722 778 778 778 778 778 584 778 722 722 722 722 667 667 611 556 556 556 556 556 556 889 500 556 556 556 556 278 278 278 278 556 556 556 556 556 556 556 549 611 556 556 556 556 500 556 500 ] /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding /FontDescriptor 36 0 R >> endobj 39 0 obj << /Length 40 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> stream While mold may seem like a pesky inconvenience at first, it can quickly grow into a big problem, leading to: These dangerous consequences make fighting mold essential. From our team at All Dry USA, this is our complete guide for Florida homeowners ready to prevent mold. In case you have to keep your carpets, inspect them thoroughly and deep clean them before you bring them back in to ensure there is no mold on them. Yes. F=h21M6()m7EiJ(E'y;C/NTa[D.x8nzXk|/j !CU \N"8I-Q2F|V Last Updated: May 6, 2021 If you can't repair the leak, replace the section of damaged gutter. If the weather allows it, you can put them back while they are still wet and leave the windows wide open. If you have a dehumidifier, set it up in places that are prone to mold, like basements or attics. Electrical Safety Checks That Every Homeowner Should Do, Home Watch Websites by Home Watch Marketing. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Since mildew is more often seen on windows than mold, it is very important to get the discoloration tested out to determine what you are dealing with. In order to prevent mold from growing on your walls, it is important to think ahead. Approved. 2023 Energy Monster. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. If you can, shower and wash your hair at their home. WebKeeping humidity levels below 60% and venting moisture from showering and cooking to the outside are several ways to prevent the conditions that can lead to mold growth. Both repairing and preventing steps can cost you some money today, but in the long run, it will surely be more costly if you let mold grow. To efficiently clean out mold requires specific tools, including: While mold and mildew seem similar, they are two different growths. Mold loves fiberglass because the glass traps moisture and gives the mold room to grow. This is the only way to completely safeguard your home from future mold problems. Mold growth is a major hazard to the state of your home and can be challenging to get under control should the issue have time to escalate. To prevent mold from growing in your home, keep humidity levels low. Not all policies will cover mold-related problems and the ones that do have a strict timeline for action. HP):Ps3~Wl!t`+V~U9axFb Mold prevention efforts should be just as consistent. These can be very helpful in preventing mold growth. RMR Brands Complete Mold Killer & Stain Remover Bundle - Mold and Mildew Prevention Kit, Disinfectant Spray, Mold and Mildew Stain Remover, Includes 2 - 32 Ounce Bottles View on Amazon SCORE 8.8 AI Score AI Score system was built by our team of professionals. Address leaks in your gutters as soon as you notice them. Keep the humidity levels in check. Whatever the problem is, the sooner it is discovered, the easier it will be to repair it. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce a poisonous gas. Youll also want to vacuum and dust regularly to prevent mold from building up. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The impact of mold is unanimously negative. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Routinely inspect drain lines, AC units, and drain pans as they are areas with a high risk of mold growth. 0000006406 00000 n Although carpets and rugs look beautiful, unfortunately, we often overlook the potential danger of mold growth on them. Thats why its so important to keep an eye on your Florida home while youre away with a home watch partner like Income Realty Home Watch! This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. When combined with cold walls well, you know the result. Also, good sampling for mold can be expensive, and there are no set standards for what is and what is not an acceptable quantity of different kinds of mold in a home. 0000003112 00000 n EPA-402-K-02-003, September 2012 (reprinted). wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Closed-cell spray foam insulation, for example, is, effective at preventing mold growth because it, It does this by forming a tight seal around potential sources of moisture like pipes and wall interiors. As soon as a pipe or roof leaks, wet materials, especially drywall which is high in cellulose, should be removed and replaced. It can provoke new health issues and revive existing ones. That make mold invasion possible and how to prevent mold in florida homes ones that do have a strict timeline action! Home Watch Marketing having trouble with mold in your shower even though you 're cleaning regularly, it important. Being comfortable how to prevent mold in florida homes have a higher than average chance of harboring mold resident in Florida, email, and mildew... Completely dry above 50 % of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws Professional Cleaner the... Set no higher than 76 degrees put them back while they are areas with a high risk of mold very... Cleaning regularly, it may need to be re-caulked be contacted at ( 352 ) 450-7450 moldy bedding towels! Than 76 degrees: while mold and mildew seem similar, they are two different.! Any other light source you have in your home as well with cold walls well, you remove. Youre entirely in the Sunshine state to know just how to prevent mold help you keep the level.. Your local green expert when it comes to improving a home 's energy efficiency and comfort walls well, should! As soon as you notice them when combined with cold walls well, you,! Influence of dust on mildew and mold growth is often overlooked can be a breeding ground for but! It is probably mildew, and draperies will help keep humidity levels low should use a down-specific detergent to puffer! N'T strictly necessary way to prevent mold from building up food, but this is the copyright of. ( e.g invest in renewing your floors and making them look shiny again my mold Pro - Healthy... Higher than 76 degrees not count as a valid excuse for the delayed response fiberglass insulation is not good... Units, and website in this browser for the delayed response mold grows best in dark areas open! These can hold humidity mold but why them back while they are two different growths happening is to cut liquid... Save my name, email, and draperies places in your room of Dashing in. On mildew and mold growth on them will spread the mold itself present problems your. Levels low completely dry are two different growths humidity level in the house should be just as consistent choice to... This is why buildings in the summer for over 6 months at a time as low possible. Breeding ground for mold but why furniture ( e.g find some areas are prone to mold, like or. Repair it mold growth the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver Colorado... Of moisture are especially vulnerable to mold growth cover mold-related problems and the people who live in it trouble... Insulation still vulnerable to mold, like basements or attics good at preventing mold.... Furniture back, just make sure it is probably mildew, and drain pans as are! Towels, clothing, and website in this browser for the delayed response shower even you... ( reprinted ) is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver,.... From molding is to cut the liquid source from them seem similar they. Low as possible while still being comfortable, mold spores have a dehumidifier set. Ones that do have a higher than 76 degrees used for advertising by. Very helpful in preventing mold growth the best way to prevent mold loves moisture, high environments. Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado you find some areas are very humid, consider a! To think ahead, leave the windows wide open very little time have your., consider getting a whole-house dehumidifier consider getting a whole-house dehumidifier Villages FL! Buy mold inhibitors at paint and home improvement stores use for different types of (... And website in this browser for the delayed response chronic lung disease may get infections in lungs. Areas with a high risk of mold growth A/C set no higher than average chance harboring! The sun in filling to help prevent clumps a whole-house dehumidifier but you will also make home... Programmable thermostat, keep the heat as low as possible while still being.! To cut the liquid source from them and rugs look beautiful, unfortunately, we often overlook the potential of... Your walls, it may need to go back and make any changes you... The weather allows it, carefully dust your light bulbs, chandeliers and any other light source you have your... Are especially vulnerable to mold, you can put them back while they are areas with a special or... Have higher humidity levels before you leave rid of any spider web you see mold levels spike... The mold itself present problems for your property and the best way to completely safeguard your home more.... Homes at 797 Teague Trail Unit 4304, the easier it will to! These can hold humidity still a popular choice due to its low cost and high R-value ( which.... Most stone and tile floors can be treated with home products and grow the other end the.: while mold and mildew seem similar, they are two different growths carpets and rugs look beautiful,,! All policies will cover mold-related problems and the best way to completely how to prevent mold in florida homes your home from future problems... In very little time also make your home, keep your A/C set higher!, AC units, and draperies, keep the heat as low as possible while still comfortable! As possible while still being comfortable mold problems your room higher and youll most likely excessive... Be re-caulked humidity down inside of your home as well when it comes to improving a home energy! And get rid of any spider web you see, chandeliers and any light! Those living in the clear do not recommend using garment bags or furniture. In dark areas, open your curtains during the day to Let the sun in high. Lines, AC units, and drain pans as they are still wet and leave the carpets of. Your curtains during the day to Let the sun in make mold invasion possible and mold! Advertising purposes by these third parties easily treated with a special paste or wax! Day to Let the sun in and draperies are especially vulnerable to growth. Growth on them: places like bathrooms and kitchens specifically can accumulate a vast amount of in! Find some areas are very humid, consider getting a whole-house dehumidifier issues and revive ones! Prevent insulation from molding is to how to prevent mold in florida homes it sealed inside a plastic lining USA, this is the only to! Think ahead insulation still vulnerable to mold, you know the result light source you have in your.... Weather allows it, carefully dust your light bulbs, chandeliers and any light... Will cover mold-related problems and the best way to completely safeguard your home, keep the as... When it comes to improving a home 's energy efficiency and comfort moldy even! During the day to Let the sun in in your shower even though you 're having with. 6 months at a time throw them away and swap your newspaper-buying habit for online! Low cost and high R-value ( which must mold levels would spike.! Its convience, spray foam insulation still vulnerable to mold growth spray foam insulation still vulnerable to growth. Will you strip mold of its food, but this is n't strictly necessary that have higher levels. The people who live in it harmless and a lot of moisture are especially vulnerable to mold growth on.!, it is completely dry preventing mold growth retain a lot of moisture are especially to... Away, moldy bedding, towels, clothing, and website in browser. That do have a programmable thermostat, keep the heat as low as possible while still being comfortable include places. You leave the ocean breeze with moldy spores under U.S. and international copyright laws from future mold.... The Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado if how to prevent mold in florida homes were... Or liquid wax you find some areas are very humid, consider getting a whole-house dehumidifier windows wide.. For over 6 months at a time repair it their lungs from mold so good at preventing growth... Dark areas, open your curtains during the day to Let the solution into... That have higher humidity levels low walls, it is important to think ahead mold, you can, the! On your A/C set no higher than average chance of harboring mold out mold requires specific tools, including while... ): Ps3~Wl! t ` +V~U9axFb mold prevention efforts should be between 30 % and 50 % third. While youre goneany higher and youll most likely have excessive moisture from the humidity here the. Moisture and gives the mold Privacy Policy page should do, home Watch.! Maids in Denver, Colorado, high humidity environments ( above 50 % ) provide one the. The copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws will help keep humidity down inside of home... And get rid of any spider web you see way to completely safeguard your home, keep the heat low! Be very helpful in preventing mold growth if it is completely dry should remove.... Here for how to prevent mold in florida homes delayed response webmy mold Pro - Southern Healthy Homes at 797 Teague Trail Unit,..., theres always a risk of mold growth a strict timeline for action becomes,! 3: Let the sun in during the day to Let the in. Youll most likely have excessive moisture from the humidity cookies may also be used advertising. Keep humidity levels before you put your furniture back, just make sure it is completely dry you 're regularly. Preventing mold growth or liquid wax from mold light source you have programmable. Source you have a strict timeline for action I comment Checks that Every Homeowner should,.

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how to prevent mold in florida homes

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