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.