How do molds form

Dry clothing on a clothesline outside or use a clothes dryer that vents sends air outdoors. If your basement is damp, get a dehumidifier not a humidifier, which adds air moisture to remove moisture from the air. If you have an air conditioner to run in the summer, it will remove some moisture as it cools the air. When you use an air conditioner or dehumidifier, don't keep your windows open if it is damp outside. Don't finish the walls of your basement with insulation and wallboard unless your basement is very dry.

Also avoid putting wall-to-wall carpet on your basement floor. If your basement floor is concrete, you can paint it and use area rugs instead. Then you can take the rugs outside to clean and dry them; the rugs aren't as likely to get moldy. All rights reserved. Even dust that settles in the right place can provide a steady diet. Mold can enter your home through open doors, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Airborne mold can also be conveniently carried indoors by piggybacking on clothing, shoes, bags, and pets.

It flourishes almost anywhere that provides sufficient moisture or humidity. According to Andy Provitola, principal and consultant at Environmental Resources, a company headquartered in Norwell that provides mold testing and assessment on the Island, controlling humidity is key.

Central air conditioning or window units are a huge help. Nelson suggests that relative humidity of between 40 percent and 60 percent indoors is the healthy range. Mold thrives in houses where leaks, floods, poor ventilation, humidity, and other sources of moisture have been left unattended. The key to preventing its growth is, according to Mr. Provitola, to deal with any water issue within 24 to 48 hours from occurrence.

Surprisingly, even newer houses built with state of the art technology can be prone to mold. The systems have to work in tandem to seal the home and treat the air. Once a home is sealed you have to ventilate it to remove moisture.

The best way to deal with mold in the home is to prevent it from getting out of control. There is always some mold everywhere but there are ways to keep it from becoming a problem:. Clean and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly within 24 to 48 hours after water infiltration from leak or flood. Keep humidity levels as low as you can — 50 percent is ideal — all day long.

Window air conditioners, central air conditioning, and dehumidifiers in the dampest locations will help keep the air dry. Be sure your home has adequate ventilation. Use exhaust fans that vent outside from the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. If building a new home or remodeling, consult with experts to ensure that new materials and technologies are implemented correctly to prevent moisture from building up. Site any new construction to take advantage of air and light, encouraging prevailing summer breezes and discouraging prevailing winter breezes.

If you detect the odor of mold or see evidence of mold or mildew in your home, there are several ways to approach the problem. Their small size makes them easy to disperse via wind and water.

They can also travel long distances by clinging on to clothing or fur. They will only start to grow once they land in an environment with suitable water, food, temperature, and oxygen.

Mold grows on the materials it can digest. These substances are broken down into simple, easy to absorb substances by the secretion of digestive enzymes. Mold requires water, food, and oxygen to grow. It also requires an environment with a temperature it can survive. While mold cannot spread without these conditions, its spores may survive in a dormant state until conditions are suitable. Mold grows on materials it can digest and use to spread. Consequently, it may grow on any organic material.

Mold grows on and digests some synthetic materials like paints, adhesives, and textiles as well. Avoid keeping wet clothes in your washer or dryer and make sure that you are properly venting the dryer outside the home and not into the attic. Front-loading washers are especially prone to mold growth, though newer models have improved this. Always use the recommended detergent and cycles to help prevent this, and keep the washer door open when not in use.

Your HVAC system is an extremely important place to be on the lookout for mold. If your ducting gets moldy, it can spread the spores throughout your home. If you suspect mold in your ventilation system, you will likely need to contact a company that specializes in HVAC repair to clean out your system.

This can be costly so be sure to talk to a few different companies; check that they have the appropriate licenses and are compliant with the National Air Duct Cleaners Association standards and get an estimate and quote in writing.

This could save your health and your wallet in the long-run. No one wants mold to grow in their home. Still, many people are unaware of the variety of common places to check for mold in their home. Initially, checking for mold and taking actions to prevent it may feel like a hassle but, in the long-run, it can prevent you from getting sick and prevent your home from being damaged.

Air Quality. Air Purifier Technology. Inside Molekule. Buy Now. By Christina Vanvuren Contributor. July 8, Contents What is mold and what causes mold in your home? Where to check for mold in your bathroom In the shower and bathtub The sink and toilet In the walls and on the floor Where to check for mold in your kitchen In, on, and under the kitchen sink The refrigerator and pantry Microwave and stove Other places in the kitchen Where to check for mold in Your bedroom On your mattress Windows and window sills Air conditioning and heating vents Where to check for mold in your living room Couch and curtains Indoor plants Fireplace and chimney Where to check for mold in your attic, basement, and garage In the attic In the basement In the garage Additional places to check for mold in your home Walls and ceiling Carpeting, fabric, and upholstery Washing machines and dryers Air conditioning and heating ducts Worth the time invested to check.

Written by Christina Vanvuren. Posts you may also like. Air Purifier Technology , Health.