Mildew and Mold Prevention

Breathe easy by addressing mold and mildew head on

By Stevie Donald

Photo by iStockphoto.com

Mildew is a simple plant that flourishes in humid, warm areas. Mold spores are everywhere in the air, but when they settle on damp surfaces, they can grow unchecked into mildew fields, discoloring and damaging paint, carpet and fabrics. Under some conditions, mildew produces potentially harmful mycotoxins, which can aggravate asthma and cause respiratory problems. Mildew prevention is simply a matter of controlling humidity and increasing your home's ventilation.

• What You Need to Know
• Proper ventilation, preventing leaks, waterproofing, and using vents and fans are some ways to stay mold and mildew-free.

Step 1:

Check your attic for evidence of roof leaks and perform necessary repairs. A very small leak that results in permanent dampness in the attic will provide a lush breeding ground for mildew.

Step 2:

Periodically inspect plumbing and water pipes, especially in your basement. Caulk around exterior windows and doors and seal cracks between concrete slab and your home's foundation. Preventing water from entering your home is an important step in mildew prevention. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the way to control mold is to control moisture.

Step 3:

Waterproof concrete or block basement walls and floors with masonry water-proofer paint. This will provide a seal against water seepage, which is common in many older homes with basements.

Step 4:

Make sure the soil around your home is sloping away from the foundation. Keep gutters and downspouts in good repair and install downspout extensions to direct water away from your home.

Step 5:

Protect exterior wood by using stains and sealants containing mildewcides. All quality 100-percent acrylic exterior paints are formulated to prevent mildew growth. Use paint containing mildewcide for humid interior rooms like bathrooms. Powdered mildewcides can be added to paint and are available at most paint stores.

Step 6:

Use vents and fans whenever doing anything that creates humidity like bathing, cooking, dishwashing and using the clothes dryer. Make sure the moist air is directed outside.

Step 7:

Avoid using carpeting in any part of the house where moisture is an ongoing issue. Water-resistant, easy-to-clean flooring is best in bathrooms, kitchens and basements.

Step 8:

Have your heating and cooling system checked annually for leaks or condensation. Use HEPA (high efficiency particulate arrestance) filters to purify indoor air. These can be installed as part of your heating and cooling system and are also available as portable units. HEPA filtration removes mold spores and other contaminants from the air.

Step 9:

Put a dehumidifier in the basement or any other room that tends to stay humid. If you live in a warm, humid climate, consider a whole-house dehumidifier to control the growth of mold and mildew. A whole-house dehumidifier is installed in the same duct work as your heating and cooling system and can keep the humidity in your home low. Mildew will not grow unless there's enough moisture in the air. According to the Family and Consumer Science Extension of North Carolina State University, mildew will not grow when the relative humidity of indoor air is less than 50 percent.

• Tips & Warnings
• Clean mildew promptly when you see it starting to grow. Use commercial mildewcide spray or use one cup of bleach in one gallon of water to kill it. Absorbent materials like fabric, carpeting and drywall that become heavily contaminated with mold may have to be thrown away.
• If you use a bleach solution to remove mold, wear gloves, open windows for ventilation and do not mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, which can produce toxic fumes.
• If you rent your home instead of own, determine if your landlord is responsible for addressing mold issues by looking into your state's Indoor Air Quality program.