Home is where we feel the safest. When you get home, everything seems to fall into place. It is therefore important to ensure that you keep a healthy home.
Mold and mildew are fungi that often grow in homes when the conditions are right. The fungi grow where there is moisture and very little or no light. They are therefore commonly found in basements that are damp or poorly ventilated.
Mold and mildew can cause serious health problems for the occupants of your home. Some health problems attributed to mold include respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies, headaches, sinus congestion, throat irritation and eye irritation.
Ensuring that your home is free of mold and mildew is therefore important. The following tips will help you keep your home healthy:
- Keep your bathroom well ventilated
A lot of moisture in the house comes from the bathroom. Hot water from the shower is a major source of humidity. It is therefore important to ensure that the bathroom is kept dry and well ventilated. You can install an exhaust fan to circulate air and remove air with moisture in it. Be sure to spread towels or hang them out to dry. Choose a shower curtain that dries easily.
- Freshen up your fabric and upholstery
Mold spores spread in the air and around the home. When they land on organic material they can begin to grow and multiply under the right conditions. It is therefore important to ensure that these spores are removed from fabric and upholstery. Fabric should be laundered regularly with hot water where possible. Upholstery should be vacuumed before cleaning.
- Cleaning carpets
Carpets are the perfect growing grounds for mold and mildew. It is important to ensure that your carpets are vacuumed regularly. This will remove spores from the carpets.
If your carpet is already stained by mildew, clean it using a laundry soap and water solution. Use a damp cloth soaked in this cleaning solution to dab the area that is stained. Ensure that the carpet is placed in a dry area where air flows freely to ensure that it dries completely.
- Ventilate your home
Ensure that your home is properly ventilated. Open the windows and use fans where necessary to promote the circulation of air within the home especially in hot and humid weather.
- Invest in a dehumidifier
Purchase a dehumidifier to get rid of excess moisture in the air during humid weather.