Home inspectors commonly find mold, which often leads to negotiations between buyers and sellers over who will pay to remedy the situation. Before it even gets to that point, however, sellers should follow basic maintenance to keep their homes mold-resistant.
Mold likes high moisture and humid areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and basements. In areas like Texas with hot and humid summer months, it’s especially important to keep moisture out of the home. To prevent mold from forming, moisture control is a good place to start.
Considering the health hazards associated with mold, like coughing and other respiratory issues, follow these six tips to keep your home mold-resistant.
Control Humidity Levels
Don’t let humidity levels reach over 60 percent. The ideal indoor humidity levels should be somewhere between 30 and 60 percent. An indoor humidity monitor can help you track these levels and can be purchased at your local drug or hardware store.
Keep Fabrics Dry
Mold can’t live without moisture, so wash your fabrics frequently and store them in a dry place such as a linen closet. If water or liquids spill on the carpet, tend to it right away. Don’t let wet clothes sit in the washing machine. Keeping moisture and wetness out of the house will avoid mold.
Disinfect Surfaces
Frequently use disinfectant sprays on all hard surfaces of your home, such as kitchen and bathroom countertops, to kill any potential mold and avoid it from growing.
Fresh Air
Let the fresh air in to keep the mold away. Fresh air will increase circulation within the home. If there are any damp areas in the house, the fresh air will help dry it out. Try and open the windows once a day, if weather permits, to keep the house ventilated.
Prevent Leaks
Leaks cause moisture, and we already know moisture is a breeding ground for mold. If your home has plumbing leaks, repair them as soon as they’re discovered. Regularly maintaining your gutters, sealing windows and improving drainage systems will help prevent water from getting indoors.
Ventilation
Make sure the home is properly ventilated with working HVAC systems, in addition to vent fans in moisture-related rooms like bathrooms and kitchens. Attic fans are another option for controlling moisture and keeping mold at bay.
Note: These tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions or need guidance regarding a specific issue. In addition to conducting and guaranteeing the highest quality home inspections, we have a utilities concierge available for our home buyers, provide repair cost estimates, offer valuable savings opportunities on moving-related services, and try our best to exceed your every expectation. Proudly serving the people of Dallas, Arlington, Grapevine, Park Cities and their neighboring communities. Experience the HouseMaster difference, call now!
