Helpful Tips to prevent mold in your Poughkeepsie basement or crawl space

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

Don't be scared by mold growth in your Dutchess County home, we can help!

If you have a basement, crawl space or attic, it is likely that you already know how pervasive mold can be. Because it thrives in dark, humid and poorly ventilated environments, these areas create the ideal place for mold to take hold and spread.

That being said, having mold in your home does not have to be a way of life. Because of mold’s adverse health effects, it is extremely important to prevent it when possible and have it remediated immediately when it occurs.

If you would like to learn more about preventing mold in your cramped household spaces, read on for 7 mold prevention tips.

Mold Prevention Tips for Tight Spaces:

1. Reduce Humidity

Mold thrives in areas with high humidity, which is often present in basements and other tight quarters in a home. Try to keep humidity levels within 30 to 50% with a dehumidifier to discourage microbial growth.

2. Store Soil Elsewhere

Potting soil, mulch and indoor plants provide spaces for mold to thrive and an organic food source. Keep these items stored somewhere other than the basement to discourage growth.

3. Reduce Clutter

Having clutter and congestion in an area reduces airflow and ventilation in the room. Reduce general clutter, especially when it comes to cardboard boxes, clothing, fabric and books. Keep what must be stored away from having direct contact with walls.

4. Direct Water Away From Your Home

Mold requires moisture to thrive, so ensuring there is as little moisture as possible flowing toward the home will discourage it from growing. Landscaping and drainage paths should be crafted in such a way that water is directed away from the home and not allowed to gather around the structure.

5. Don’t Let Leaks Linger

Leaks provide the perfect environment for mold to develop, and they can cost you an extensive amount of money in wasted water, not to mention the costs to treat and remediate it, so fixing them ASAP is best.

6. Make Use of a Fan

Using a fan helps with air circulation and further reduces humidity. Airing out the basement and crawl spaces will help ventilation and discourage mold from occurring.

7. Reduce Factors That Create Humidity

If you have laundry or air conditioning units in the basement, be sure they are properly ventilating to the outside. Avoid carpeting or rugs, which can hold moisture. Do not dry wet clothes in the basement as the air can grow more humid as they dry.

If you’ve discovered mold in your basement or anywhere else in your home, we are here to help! SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County has licensed mold technicians on staff. Give us a call immediately to learn about our mold remediation services.