Mold is probably the last thing to come to mind when thinking of summer vacation. If you are going away for a few weeks, you will want to prevent your home from any mold infestations. A dark and humid environment is the perfect situation for mold spores to grow. Left unattended, fast-growing mold can cause damage to your home that can cost thousands of dollars or worse, pose a threat to your family’s health. Here are some tips on how to avoid mold from growing in your home during summer.
Run the Air Conditioning
A closed house with the air-conditioning turned off will have higher humidity levels than an air-conditioned home in the summer. Most homeowners going away for trips close the curtains or shades, making the home dark or letting in little sunlight. Additionally, there is typically no air flow indoors while the fan is off. Leaving the air conditioning running while you’re gone not only cools the home, it also removes moisture from the air and circulates the air.
Set A/C Temp Below 74 Degrees
Set the temperature inside the house to the low 70s. Ideally, the thermostat should be left at or below 74 degrees. Typical summer weather comes with afternoon rain storms that cause humidity levels to vary daily. Molds thrive when the humidity levels go over 70 percent. If you see or feel signs of humidity, set a dehumidifier to keep the moisture level below 60 percent. You can place a hanging moisture absorber in your closet which will trap excess humidity and eliminate musty odors.
Turn Off Water
The worst types of accidents, like leaks, can happen while you are not even home. Leaks from household appliances and pipes can lead to moisture problems. Usually, faucets, washing machine, and toilets are culprits for leaks that cause moisture on or behind many surfaces that eventually lead to mold growth. Mold can grow in ceilings, walls, under sinks, in drywall, hidden behind wallpaper or baseboards, in the ductwork or even on furniture and clothes. To prevent possible leaks and excess moisture, turn off water while away for long periods of time.
Remove Pools of Moisture From Surfaces
There’s nothing better than coming home to a clean house after a long trip. To avoid unsightly messes and mold when you return from summer vacation, start by cleaning surfaces of oil, soap, dust and dirt. Those materials are a feeding ground for mold when moisture is present.
Tidy Up Outdoors/Landscape
Mold can also grow outdoors. Many homeowners are unaware that mold can be found under wood piles or mulch, gutters or abandoned trash bins. If possible, get rid of unnecessary wood or mulch from your lawn before going away. Also, check that your gutters are clean of any leaves or debris. Don’t forget to bring in empty garbage bins so they don’t collect rain water.
ExecPro provides mold remediation and cleaning services to homes throughout New Jersey and New York. For more information, contact us today at (888)-300-3772.