You know that having excess moisture in your house can cause mold and mildew, which is bad for your health. The question is, “How do you get rid of moisture in the house?” Washing dishes, breathing, bathing, cooking – all of these activities produce moisture, which is normal and usually doesn’t go over normal levels. However, when you have an issue with excess moisture in the basement or crawlspace, you end up running into problems that create mold and mildew.
If you notice condensation on the windows during winter, mildew in the bathroom, peeling paint on interior walls, mold growing in closet corners or even excessive dust mites, you might have too much moisture in your home.
Moisture and Mold
Health Problems and Mold
When mold spores land on a damp spot and start growing, they can become a health problem. Irritants, allergens, and in some cases, toxic substances from mold cause health problems, especially if you already have allergies or asthma.
The mold can also cause skin, eye, lung, nose, and throat irritation, even in people who do not have allergies or asthma. Knowing how to prevent mold in the house and how to stop mold from coming back goes a long way in ensuring you and your family stay healthier.
Preventing Mold and the Health Problems Mold Causes
Preventing mold is more than waterproofing your basement or crawlspace. If drainage is poor, you will have to fix the drainage problem in addition to waterproofing. You can also take the following steps to help decrease mold growth in your home:
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Use detergent and water to clean the mold off hard surfaces. Dry the surface completely.
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If porous items, such as carpets and ceiling tiles become moldy, you cannot clean them. You must throw them away.
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Do not expose yourself to mold. Wear a mask designed for stopping mold spores when you clean the mold, or call a mold remediation company. Even touching mold can cause health problems, so be sure to wear rubber gloves.
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Never paint over mold. It will just continue growing.
How to Get Rid of Moisture in House
You can use mold resistant products and mold prevention spray to get rid of mold, but to do the job right, you have to get rid of the excess moisture in your house. You can help the situation by:
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Make sure you use ventilation fans when showering, bathing, and cooking.
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Make sure ventilation fans and dryers vent to the outside.
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Use fans to help with ventilation, especially if you have to crack a window for ventilation.
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Run the air conditioning during the summer months.
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Do not use humidifiers or vaporizers unless absolutely necessary.
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Keep firewood outside. It releases moisture into the air as it dries.
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Use a dehumidifier if the relative humidity in your home is high.
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If your basement or crawlspace is always damp, you might need additional drainage and / or basement waterproofing or crawlspace waterproofing.
Contact H&H Pest Control and Waterproofing
When you can’t seem to get rid of the moisture in your home and it is causing a mold and mildew problem, contact H&H Pest Control and Waterproofing for an evaluation to see if you need to waterproof your basement or crawlspace.
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