Mold in Wyoming County Basement

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Humidity Causing Mold in Basement

Mold in Basement 

Mold, mildew, and moisture problems are especially prevalent in states with hot, humid summers, such as PA.

High heat (between 77 and 87 degrees), humidity (between 62 and 93 percent), and a food source (organic material) create the ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive. That’s why June-August promote mold growth more than any other months. Warm temperatures and high humidity set the stage for mold and mildew.

How to Prevent Mold and Mildew

1. Keep Healthy Humidity Levels

Mold and mildew thrive in a humid environment, so it is important to keep your humidity levels down. In areas that are prone to excessive moisture, make sure you ventilate. When using the kitchen, bathroom or basement, turn on the vent fans. If there are no vent fans in these rooms, have them repaired or installed by an electrician. Also, consider having plug-in dehumidifiers.

Attics fans can also help manage moisture and provide ventilation in the home. 

You can also take measures to control the humidity levels in your home with your HVAC system, which may or may not have a humidification system built in. Regardless, running the air conditioner will help dry and circulate the air. A closed up home in the summer without air conditioning and little air movement will create the humid, warm and dark conditions necessary for mold growth.

2. Fresh Air

Open windows help increase the ventilation in your home – and are a good way to lower indoor carbon dioxide levels. If your home has been closed up for several months, carbon dioxide can build up, especially in rooms where people spend the most time. Fresh air will also help dry out damp, musty areas and reduce odors and stuffiness. Every day, open up a window or two for 5-15 minutes to provide some free, natural ventilation to your home.

3. Use Green Cleaning Products

Cleaning products with an overwhelming odor are ironically the biggest sources of (VOCs) in the home. This is especially true of artificial pine and lemon products. When using these cleaners to rid areas of mold and other pollutants, you are essentially trading one contaminant for another. When dealing with mold, give SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County a call and we can help mitigate the problem. 

4. Dry Wet Areas

Although you should avoid toxic cleaners, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t regularly clean the surfaces in your home. Getting into the habit of cleaning and drying the surfaces in your bathroom and other moist areas is a great way to keep your home clean and free of mold and mildew.

Mold can’t grow and thrive without moisture, so it’s important to dry wet areas in your home immediately. A leaky pipe, a damp basement and even a spill on your carpet needs to be dried thoroughly and as quickly as possible (within 24 hours). Also make sure you don’t leave wet clothing or bath towels out for too long. It is very difficult to completely clean material that has been compromised by mold.

Fix any plumbing leaks or water issues to remove the sources of moisture in your home. 

5. Keep Indoor Plants

Introducing some houseplants into your home is a great way to improve your indoor air quality. 

During these hot Summer months, take measures to prevent Mold in your basement. We are always here to help remediate mold should you find it in your home.