Mold and Mildew Prevention & Reduction Guide

Most of us are familiar with mold and mildew, that thin growth of fungus that grows on many different surfaces. Mildew grows when the spores of molds settle on surfaces that are damp, wet, poorly ventilated and dark. It thrives in warm, humid weather when the relative humidity is 60 percent or greater for several days, and in warm, humid places in our homes such as bathrooms, closets, basements and crawl spaces.

Mold and mildew can cause reactions in people with allergies and asthma, but they aren’t the only ones affected. Mold and mildew can contribute to complications in anyone with sinus infections and upper respiratory infections.

The best way to prevent mildew is to keep your home furnishings and fabrics dry and clean. Good ventilation in and around the home is a must. If you suffer from this problem every year and find yourself having to treat mildew in and around your home, follow these preventive measures.

• Make sure you have a vapor barrier in your crawl space. A vapor barrier is a plastic covering usually 6-millimeters thick that covers 70 to 80 percent of the ground in the crawl space of your house. Its job is to trap moisture underneath the plastic and prevent it from entering the living area.
• Open and close crawl space vents in foundation walls according to the season. Open vents in the summer to allow air to flow through. Close vents in the winter to aid in energy conservation.
• Ventilate the attic.
• Trim shrubs so there is at least one foot between the house and shrubs to allow air circulation around your home.
• Turn on your air conditioner when the relative humidity is greater than 50 percent. Air conditioners help remove moisture from the air.
• Make sure air conditioner condensation drains outside and away from the foundation of your home.
• Make sure that your kitchen, bathrooms and clothes dryer vents lead to the outdoors and not to the attic.
• Run the ventilation fans while cooking and showering.
• Combustion appliances can contribute to excess moisture in the home. Vent a gas heater or gas logs to the outside using an approved flue.
• Keep closet lights on. A 40- to 60-watt bulb does not use much electricity and helps prevent mildew.
• Use a dehumidifier. These are useful in basements and other naturally cool areas. During days with high humidity, you’ll need to run the unit continually. Be sure to clean it daily.

   

  Top of Page
  Successful Family Home | Housing & The Home Environment Index