How do you stop mold growing on walls?

How do you stop mold growing on walls?

Mold thrives in dark and damp conditions. This is why it often goes undetected until it has become a major issue. The fact that mold spores can cause an array of health issues simply makes it more important than it is detected and eliminated as quickly as possible.

While mold is often associated with poorer houses, the truth is that it can appear anywhere, and having it is not a sign of a dirty home. You can easily tell the difference. Dab a little bleach on a blackened area of the home but do not rub. Leave it a few minutes. If the area lightens you have mold, if not it’s dirt! 

It doesn’t actually matter if you have mold or not, you can still use the following techniques to stop it growing and ensure you either eliminate it or stop it from arriving.

Eliminate Moisture

You don’t actually want to eliminate all the moisture in the air as this won’t be good for your health. However, to prevent mold getting a grip on your walls you need to keep moisture levels below 60%.

The first step is to measure the moisture level in your home.

You should also look for any leaks. The easiest way to test for these is to shut all water appliances off and take a meter reading. Wait an hour and take the meter reading again. If the reading has changed and you’re sure all the appliances are off, you have a leak. You’ll need to find this and fix it to prevent moisture from getting into your home. 

It’s also a good idea to check your roof for leaks and that your gutters aren’t blocked. Both of these things can increase moisture levels in the house. 

Air Flow

The warmer the air in your home the better it is at holding moisture. That keeps it off the walls, until the temperature inside your house drops. The moisture in the air will then transfer to walls and furniture, especially wooden items. 

Improve the airflow by moving furniture away from walls and open all cupboards regularly. In addition, you should take a look at your basement or underfloor space.

Having good subfloor ventilation can make a huge difference to the moisture levels in your home. Ventilation brings cooler air in and allows the warmer, moist air, out. Using an extraction fan will help the process and it can all be done under the floor. That means it doesn’t affect the décor or your use of space but does reduce moisture levels and effectively reduce the chances of mold forming anywhere. Especially on your walls.

Bleaching

Whether you already have mold or not it can be beneficial to use a bleach-based spray and wipe the walls down n all the rooms of your home. This will eliminate mold spores and any other bacteria. Not only will you reduce the likelihood of mold on your walls, but you’ll also probably improve the overall air quality in your home. 

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