As you might've guessed, opening windows can help reduce mold. Doing so lets excess moisture flow outside instead of settling on your walls, floors, and ceiling. Without the proper amount of moisture indoors, mold won't be able to grow. Opening windows can be helpful.
Mold spores need warmth, and moisture to germinate, grow and thrive. If the conditions in your home are warm and humid, but it is cool and dry outside, opening a window can serve to inhibit mold growth.
Mould thrives in damp areas such as windows, where there is dust, dirt or organic material, that's why the number one way to reduce mould is to open your windows regularly. By opening the windows at least once a day, this allows the mould spores to escape and lets patches of moisture dry out.
This method is especially effective in rooms that are prone to mold growth due to excess moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. It's commonly called, burping the building as an industry term, to open ups windows to let all humidity out quickly and 10 mins later close the windows.
If it's warm enough out, open the windows. Sunlight and fresh air are about as “anti-mold” as it gets, plus it's easy to do.
Extreme temperatures do not kill mold, but they can deactivate them. Even when temperatures drop below freezing, mold spores don't die; they simply become dormant and will begin to multiply and grow again as soon as the temperature rises.
Specifically, air purifiers with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters work great at removing mold spores. HEPA filters are considered to be rated MERV 17 or above, which means that the filters can trap more than 99.7% of air particles as small as 0.3-1.0 microns in size.
Spring and Fall are commonly known as the worst seasons for mold growth. Especially in regions with heavy rain and high water levels, the moisture can cause expedited growth. Heavy rain showers can bring the best environment for mold.
Homes with large amounts of mold growth will take far longer to complete. Mold remediation is more difficult in homes with high humidity levels and low ventilation. But depending on the size of the home, the severity of the infestation, and moisture sources, remediation should be completed over several days to a week.
The airflow helps to reduce the moisture build-up within your home as it makes its way outside. Given that damp is one of the leading causes of mold, this improved circulation is a big bonus. However, opening your windows isn't a perfect fix. In certain instances, it could make the problem worse.
Mold stays “dormant” in the air or on surfaces even when there's no excess moisture to help it grow. If the humidity in a room increases, mold will start growing in patches on walls, clothes, and more. So, to answer your question, dehumidifiers do NOT kill mold, but they do prevent it by reducing humidity.
It's Dangerous to Sleep In A Mouldy Room
It might induce allergies and sleep problems if you are exposed to it.
Pour undiluted distilled white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the affected area generously. Let the vinegar sit for about 60 minutes before wiping the area clean with warm water and a disposable cloth. Spray the affected areas one more time and let them air-dry to ensure you have fully killed the mold.
As they're toxigenic, they can release irritating or even dangerous toxins that can cause mold poisoning over time. If you notice black mold on your windowsills — or notice symptoms of mold poisoning — it means it is time for a deep and thorough cleanse.
If you have to stay in a moldy home, you need to take steps to reduce your exposure to mold. If you have asthma, COPD, or if you are immune-compromised you should not stay in a moldy home, or even be there while it is being cleaned. Spend less time in your home.
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors.
Allergy and irritation are the most common symptoms of mold exposure. Less common effects of mold exposure include infections and illness. Serious infections from molds are relatively rare and occur mainly in people with severely suppressed immune systems. Illness has been reported from workplace exposures to mold.
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, congestion and eye irritation. It rarely causes serious illness or death but may worsen asthma symptoms.
Each person's body is affected by mold toxicity in different ways. Some experience constant migraines and headaches, shortness of breath, brain fog, fatigue or even depression. Since symptoms differ from person to person, they may not be quickly associated with mold exposure.
Due to the extreme rise in gas prices, many people are also considering whether they can save further energy costs by heating even less. But even if you pragmatically just put on another warm sweater, you shouldn't let your house and apartment cool down too much. After all, the risk of mold increases in cold rooms.
An air purifier also will not remove every single mold spore from the air in your house. Because spores are so ubiquitous, it would be futile to even try. Spores are everywhere. However, if you are remediating a mold problem you probably have a lot of mold spores in the air.
Concrobium Mold Control is an innovative, market-leading product that effectively eliminates existing mold, prevents mold re-growth and eliminates musty odors with no harmful chemicals. The unique technology is used by homeowners, professional remodelers, contractors and remediators.