Why Fall Is a Great Time to Keep Your Home Mold and Mildew Free

The wet Winter season is one of the most common times to discover mold growing in your home. That means Fall season is the best time of year to focus on mold-prevention!

As we send off Summer and bring in the cooler breezes of the Fall, it's best to take time to check for mold and mildew around our homes and take action if needed.

Household mold can grow on a variety of surfaces and objects, from walls and windows to clothes, books, and toys. Over time, an unremedied mold issue in your home can damage your property and belongings and pose serious risks to your family’s health.

What makes matters worse is that mold doesn’t die in the winter. If not adequately dealt with, it can start spreading, causing more significant problems when the temperatures start warming up.

Below are a few helpful tips to keep mold and mildew away from your home:

• Move leaves and other debris away from the outside walls of your house. Piles of decomposing leaves can generate their own heat, and mold loves this environment. The spores travel by air, so they can spread through windows, doors, and ventilation systems to make their way into your home.

• Clean your gutters and check your downspouts. Clogged gutters are a prime location for mold growth. Ensure that water flows and drains away from your home.

• Check your plumbing. The cold weather can compromise the integrity of your pipes, and cracked or leaky pipes can create moist areas that can keep colonies of mold and mildew thriving for years without detection.

• Keep an eye on the humidity levels in your home. Winter usually brings dry air, but if you live in an area where humidity levels are high its best to get a dehumidifier.

• Clean up any spills or standing water because mold and mildew love moist areas. Areas around sinks, showers, and tubs are especially vulnerable to mold and mildew growth. Make sure you keep these areas dry.

• Keep the air circulating. Use an exhaust fan or crack a window when showering in the bathroom or washing dishes or cooking in the kitchen.

Taking these precautions will go a long way to preventing mold and mildew. However, if you already have mold and mildew, it is highly recommended to clean it as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to avoid the mold and mildew from returning. Enjoy the fall season and stay warm!