Florida’s year-round humidity makes mold a persistent problem for homeowners in the state. Anywhere there’s moisture or high humidity, mold can take hold. If mold is allowed to grow in your home, it can lead to many health problems, including congestion, coughing, headaches, body aches, and watery eyes. Keep mold under control with these smart preventive strategies that will stop spores from taking hold in your home.
Keep Your Home Well Ventilated
Ventilation is key to keeping mold at bay. This is particularly important in the kitchen and bathroom. Run your exhaust or ventilation fans any time there’s excess moisture in the air, such as during a shower or while you are cooking.
Change Your Filters
You should change the air filter in your HVAC system regularly to prevent a buildup of dust, mold spores, and other allergens from circulating through your home. With a stock of spare filters on hand, this job will take just a minute. Remember to change other filters in your home as well, such as the vacuum filter and any filters on air cleaners or dehumidifiers.
Keep the Bathroom Clean
The bathroom is always a problematic spot when it comes to mold and mildew. Wipe down all the surfaces in your bathroom at least once a week. A natural cleaner like vinegar is an effective and chemical-free option. Dry off your shower and tub when you are finished to keep the surfaces dry. If you have a bath mat, place it upside down over the edge of the tub to dry after each use.
Stay On Top of Laundry
It easy to put off laundry day, but leaving damp and dirty items around is a surefire way to breed mold and mildew in your home. In a warm, damp climate like Florida, it takes very little for mold growth to occur. Keep laundry clean and dry to prevent these problems.