Since mold spores thrive in warm and damp environments, keeping the windows open can help prevent mold by letting excess moisture flow outside.
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. It can be especially helpful in rooms where mold is prone to develop such as kitchens, basements, lesser-used rooms on lower floors, laundry rooms, and bathrooms.
15 minutes is enough to air the house properly
A window open for 15 minutes is enough! That's it. With this method, only the indoor air will be cooled. It will take just a few minutes to heat the room again.
Indoor relative humidity should be kept below 60 percent, ideally between 30 to 50 percent, if possible. As for temperature, mold grows best between 77° F and 86° F. If you keep the temperature in your house in the comfort range around 70° F, you should not have a mold problem.
FIGHT MOLD BY IMPROVING HOME AIR FLOW
Air flow and moisture actually go hand in hand, and so by improving air circulation in the house, homeowners can effectively combat mold growth and improve the home's interior air quality.
Ventilation via a window
When rooms are ventilated via a window the fresh air and the spent air flow in and flow out through the same window. This is a customary way to ventilate and is the most generally practiced.
Mold hates light. Other than moisture there's nothing mold loves more than dark places. An easy prevention against mold growth is opening your blinds and shades. If it's warm enough out, open the windows.
The best way to prevent mold is to control moisture. Keep the indoor humidity below 60% relative humidity, ideally between 30% and 50%. Repair leaky pipes and faucets. Turn on the exhaust fans when bathing and cooking.
Cold rooms (also known as environmental chambers or walk-ins) often have high humidity conditions coupled with lower temperatures (condensation) which creates an environment favourable for mould growth.
Closed windows allow pollutants such as dust, mold, and allergens to accumulate, leading to the circulation of stale air. Without fresh air entering your space, the immune systems of individuals in the home may become compromised due to prolonged exposure to harmful indoor pollutants.
Open windows in the morning for 15 minutes on opposite sides of your home to release moisture. Unblock air vents and open trickle ventilation on windows. Leave space for air to circulate between walls and furniture (e.g. move beds and wardrobes away from external walls by at least 2 inches / 5cm).
Sleep aid. When there isn't enough oxygen in a room individuals will wake feeling sluggish and tired and often with a throbbing headache. Fresh air stimulates good sleep and studies show that people who sleep in well-ventilated rooms sleep better and wake up less during the night.
a dehumidifier, which extracts moisture from the air, can be bought or hired. wipe down surfaces affected by condensation regularly to prevent mould growth. mould can be removed by washing the surface with a disinfectant or a fungicidal wash. This must be used in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.
Ventilation fans are the best way to prevent mold build up inside a home. Think about it: what happens when a home has a flood? Typically, a water damage expert will be called in and the first thing they do is bring in ventilation fans to dry out the moisture and wetness inside the home.
Open windows and doors to let fresh air in and reduce humidity. Open blinds and curtains during the day to let sunlight in. Turn on the exhaust fan or open a window in the bathroom, laundry and kitchen to get rid of steam. Wipe down tiles to clean off soap scum that mould feeds on.
Whilst it's common belief that dry mould is safe, this is not the case. Mould spores do not multiply without a source of moisture but they will re-activate and start growing once they come into contact with water again.
The key to mold prevention is moisture control. Water entry into buildings or building crawl spaces should be controlled. If water enters a building through a leaking roof or because of a flood or accident, it should be removed immediately and affected areas should be dried out.
Molds require oxygen, but not light, for growth. Mold growth can continue indefinitely without light.
Mold's biggest weakness? Moving air. Mold thrives on moisture and stagnant conditions, but airflow is its natural enemy. By keeping air circulating in your home, you can prevent mold from taking hold.
Products like HG Mould Spray and Dettol Antibacterial Mould Spray are formulated to kill mold and mildew on contact.
It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.
1. Activated Charcoal: Absorbs toxins, potentially helping to clear mold spores from your system. Take it in capsule form to absorb toxins. It's best used under medical supervision, especially after known mold exposure.
Most often, a mold problem will be readily identified by a musty smell that becomes obvious in damp environments. Mold also likes to play hide and seek, so if you suspect there is a problem, then check under carpets, behind drywall, inside ductwork, in between bathroom tiles and in other moisture-prone areas.