Avoid Mold Growth In the Winter
Most people worry about mold growing in their basements during the summer.
They purchase dehumidifiers and run them all summer long.
Mold, however, does not know the difference between summer and winter.
All it needs for growing is a cool damp surface.
Part of the problem with not steering clear of mold is that it can sometimes grow in places where you would not expect because there is no direct water source.
For instance, in older homes and in some newer ones, there are walls with little or no insulation.
Combine that with poor air circulation and you have the makings for mold growth.
Areas that are most susceptible to mold are all outside corners and walls.
To avoid mold growth in these areas in the winter:
These include entertainment centers, cabinets, clothes hampers, shower curtains and shower doors, coat closets and shoe racks.
All of these items restrict air flow which keeps the wall temperature down.
When there is a cool wall and moisture starts to collect from humidifiers, cooking, and taking showers, the moisture condenses on the wall.
That combination of cold and moisture is the recipe for mold.
Closets located on outside walls are one of the worst sources of mold.
When the closet doors are closed and shoes and clothes are piled against the closet's walls, the environment is perfect for mold growth.
No one is surprised that mold grows around bath tubs and showers.
What most people do not understand is that tubs and showers are places where the mold growth can be controlled if not completely eliminated.
For instance, to eliminate mold in the tub and shower, start by wiping down the walls and doors.
You can also wipe down the curtains although that is more difficult.
Quick tip: If you use a clean towel every time you shower, take your towel after drying your body and wipe down the walls and doors.
If you reuse your towel, purchase a shower squeegee found at most home centers and grocery stores, and squeegee the walls and doors.
Quick tip: Leave the door open so the room air can circulate through the shower or tub area.
Quick tip: If you have a shower curtain, do not bunch it up.
Leave a 12 inch space at each end and open the curtain so the pleats can dry.
Quick tip: If you have an exhaust fan in a bathroom, make sure it is vented outside.
If an exhaust fan is vented into an attic space and enough showers are taken, moisture is vented into the attic and mold may start growing there.
One of the ways to determine if you do have mold is to look in the attic.
If you have lived in you home for many years and your attic is dry and free of mold, there is a good chance you do not have to worry about mold in your attic.
On the other hand, if you do find mold, take steps to eliminate it and resolve the problem immediately.
They purchase dehumidifiers and run them all summer long.
Mold, however, does not know the difference between summer and winter.
All it needs for growing is a cool damp surface.
Part of the problem with not steering clear of mold is that it can sometimes grow in places where you would not expect because there is no direct water source.
For instance, in older homes and in some newer ones, there are walls with little or no insulation.
Combine that with poor air circulation and you have the makings for mold growth.
Areas that are most susceptible to mold are all outside corners and walls.
To avoid mold growth in these areas in the winter:
- do not pile clothing or other material against outside walls;
- do not back up furniture tight against the wall; and
- make certain that all the corners are open to permit the best air flow possible.
These include entertainment centers, cabinets, clothes hampers, shower curtains and shower doors, coat closets and shoe racks.
All of these items restrict air flow which keeps the wall temperature down.
When there is a cool wall and moisture starts to collect from humidifiers, cooking, and taking showers, the moisture condenses on the wall.
That combination of cold and moisture is the recipe for mold.
Closets located on outside walls are one of the worst sources of mold.
When the closet doors are closed and shoes and clothes are piled against the closet's walls, the environment is perfect for mold growth.
No one is surprised that mold grows around bath tubs and showers.
What most people do not understand is that tubs and showers are places where the mold growth can be controlled if not completely eliminated.
For instance, to eliminate mold in the tub and shower, start by wiping down the walls and doors.
You can also wipe down the curtains although that is more difficult.
Quick tip: If you use a clean towel every time you shower, take your towel after drying your body and wipe down the walls and doors.
If you reuse your towel, purchase a shower squeegee found at most home centers and grocery stores, and squeegee the walls and doors.
Quick tip: Leave the door open so the room air can circulate through the shower or tub area.
Quick tip: If you have a shower curtain, do not bunch it up.
Leave a 12 inch space at each end and open the curtain so the pleats can dry.
Quick tip: If you have an exhaust fan in a bathroom, make sure it is vented outside.
If an exhaust fan is vented into an attic space and enough showers are taken, moisture is vented into the attic and mold may start growing there.
One of the ways to determine if you do have mold is to look in the attic.
If you have lived in you home for many years and your attic is dry and free of mold, there is a good chance you do not have to worry about mold in your attic.
On the other hand, if you do find mold, take steps to eliminate it and resolve the problem immediately.
