How to Keep Your Home Mould-Free: 5 Things to Check
Ever tried entering your room only to get a whiff of an earthy, musty odour? This could be a sign of a mould problem.
It’s
perfectly natural for a damp or moist environment to have mould. But just
because that’s normal doesn’t mean you should just leave mould alone.
Mould can cause an array of allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing. Repeated exposure can also lead to heightened sensitivity, resulting in more severe symptoms.
To make sure your home stays mould-free, you need to check the
following things that may foster its growth:
1. Air Moisture and Ventilation
Mould thrive in
moist environments. Even without an apparent water source, these growths are
still likely to appear if the humidity exceeds 60 per cent.
Because of
this, you must always keep the indoor
air moisture between 30 to 60 per
cent.
Install a
humidity sensor (or a hygrometer) to monitor
the moisture in the air. If it goes beyond the recommended range, use a
dehumidifier to condense and reduce the moisture in the air.
It also helps
to turn on the air conditioner
regularly. The lower temperature inside a room reduces the air’s capability to
hold moisture.
And
don’t forget to check for room ventilation.
Moisture
in the windows, floors, or walls indicates restricted airflow within a space.
To correct this, simply open a window or door to let fresh air circulate. (This
tip can also be helpful for musty-smelling closets.)
2. Air Conditioner
As mentioned
earlier, AC units help prevent mould growth by reducing the humidity within a space.
However, these appliances can also produce moisture themselves if left
unchecked.
Because of
this, you need to make sure that you inspect
and clean your air conditioning unit according to the manufacturer’s
instructions at least once every year.
If you’re not
sure you can do it perfectly, hire experts in AC cleaning in Dubai to avoid damaging the
unit or causing more problems down the line.
If you have a
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, you must:
● Keep drain pans clean and positioned at an angle to prevent standing
water.
● Switch out air filters every month or two to ensure efficiency in trapping mould spores.
● Keep the air ducts dry and replace any
water-damaged components.
● Monitor the air intake for microbe and contaminant
build-up.
3. Carpets
Carpets add
warmth and comfort to any space, thanks to the material they’re made from.
However, that quality is also why this type of flooring is more prone to mould
growth.
To keep your
carpets mould-free, thoroughly dry
spills as soon as they happen. Doing this can also prevent staining that
could ruin fabrics.
Plus,
make sure you follow through with the recommended maintenance for this type of
floor. As much as possible, leave the annual
carpet cleaning
to the professionals because they can ensure that your floor covering is
completely dry after a deep clean.
Not a big fan
of high-maintenance carpets?
Switch to short-pile rugs as they are less susceptible to mould
and mildew. You must also be wise in positioning your carpets as some areas in the
house are more prone to moisture than others (e.g., bathroom, kitchen, and
basement).
4. Indoor Plants
Plants are
valuable assets when it comes to beautifying any space and cleaning the air
indoors.
However, the
moist soil they grow in could also serve as a breeding ground for mould.
But instead of getting rid of your potted plants entirely, you
can simply replant them in sterile soil. Commercial potting soil contains
balanced nutrients for different plants and is manufactured to prevent
unwanted growth.
On top of that,
you need to be mindful of how much you
water your houseplants. This way, you give them just enough water to help
them become healthy without creating an overly moist condition where mould can
grow.
It also helps
to put your potted plants near a window or doorway to ensure proper ventilation and air circulation. Don’t forget to
remove any dried or dead leaves and other organic debris on the soil that may
encourage mould growth.
5. Roof
Rain gutters
help keep your home free from moisture. Make sure they work as intended by cleaning and inspecting them regularly.
This will help prevent rainwater from backing up and causing mould growth in
the attic.
Hire
professionals to inspect and maintain your roof and gutters twice a year. Have them remove leaves,
twigs, and other debris that may block the drainage.
If necessary,
call a handyman to repair the gutters, especially if you spot any signs of
leaks, such as water stains on the wall after a rainy day.
Keep Your Home Mould-Free
Keeping
moisture in check is key to preventing mould infestation in any space.
Check all the
things listed in this article to keep your room mould-free and live a
healthier, more comfortable life.
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