How to Mould-Proof Your Home this Summer
What are the first five things you love about summer? Spending time at the beach, weekends at the cottage, immersing yourself in a book poolside, warm summer nights spent with family and friends or dropping the kids off at camp. Betcha didn’t say mould. Yet, the risk of mould growth in your home increases in the summer months due to several factors like warmer temperatures and summer rains. Learn to stop it before it becomes a huge problem.
Use Your Air Conditioner on Hot Days
Mould grows best at temperatures above 25 degrees celsius, so keep the indoor temperature lower than that if you can.
Close Windows When it Rains
If windows are open on a rainy day, dampness and water can get in. If that happens, dry windowsills, floors or any other surface as soon as possible. If carpets get wet, use a fan to dry it faster.
Check Your Dryer Vents Work Efficiently
If a dryer vent system is clogged or not venting properly, moisture may get trapped inside the vent, allowing mould and mildew to grow and thrive. A damaged or leaking vent may also lead to mould growth in your walls, attic, or crawl space.
Use Exhaust Fan in the Bathroom
Especially when having a shower! The steam that fills the bathroom when you have a shower or bath provides ample moisture for mould to grow. No fan? Pop your bathroom window open a bit to let the steam escape. No window, crack the door open a bit.
Never Lay a Carpet in the Bathroom
Among all the other icky things a carpet can absorb in the bathroom, it’s hard to dry a carpet out completely once it’s wet. A much safer option in the bathroom is a throw rug.. Throw rugs are machine washable and can be hung to dry, preventing any mould growth.
Purchase a Hygrometer
This instrument measures the relative humidity of a space. Mould thrives in moist environments where the relative humidity is above 50 per cent. It doesn’t grow well when it’s dry. By monitoring the humidity in your home, you can reduce moisture and keep your home free of mould.
Interesting Note: If mould does develop despite your best efforts, act quickly to stop it from growing and spreading to other areas of your home. Vinegar in a spray bottle is one way to fight it. Spray the surface and leave for one hour before cleaning. If this doesn’t work, consider calling a professional.
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Photo by CDC on Unsplash
