Recently, we talked about toxic mold that was discovered on Thanksgiving Day, and the upheaval that that kind of discovery can bring to one’s holiday season. So in an effort to keep mold out of our holiday plans, the following are some mold prevention tips for home and business owners alike:

MOLD PREVENTION TIPS

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with fluctuations in the weather and air temperature. Therefore, if there is any question as to a high level of humidity in your home or business, you may need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans that vent to the outside of your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home as well.
• Fix any leaks in the roof, walls, or plumbing of your property so that mold does not have the excess moisture it needs to grow.
• Clean up and dry out your home or business thoroughly and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after a water loss or flooding. Hire a certified restoration company to ensure proper drying.
• Remove or replace carpets, upholstery, and other building materials that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Consider using flooring that is conducive to wet environments in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may experience a lot of moisture.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints or use effective primers before painting.
• Clean bathrooms regularly with anti-fungal products.

With the holidays in full swing, we know that likely the last thing on your mind is mold prevention and/or remediation. But if you make a mold related discovery in your home or business and need it taken care of right away, we are here for you! Joe Taylor Restoration is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays, to respond to all your emergency restoration needs. We hope you won’t need to contact us, but if you do, we are here to serve!