How To Prevent Mold From Returning After Mold Remediation

No one wants mold in their house. If you’ve had it before, you definitely won’t want it to return. 

After taking care of the mold in your home by working with experts, use this guide to prevent mold from returning, with tips like how to control moisture and improve ventilation. With the right preventative measures, you can make sure that mold stays gone for good.

COMMON CAUSES OF MOLD RETURNING 

Mold can return for a variety of reasons, but it’s more likely to return if remediation measures are done without making sure materials were dried to the desired moisture levels, according to Steven Mwaniki, a Restoration Project Manager/Mold & Biohazard Manager at Paul Davis of Northeast Indiana. Mold is also more likely to return if the source of the mold itself wasn’t addressed — such as a leaky pipe that’s causing moisture damage — and if moisture and humidity aren’t controlled properly. 

“Mold is always considered a secondary damage, meaning we can control it before its growth cycle,” Mwaniki says. 

Moisture prevention and control are the best ways to keep mold away, so to prevent mold growth, make sure any wet materials in your home are dried within 72 hours, use proper tools and equipment to dry materials, and continue checking on areas prone to moisture, Mwaniki says. This includes areas like underneath sinks, sump pump areas, leaky widows, crawlspaces, and attics that don’t have much air circulation.

HOW TO PREVENT THE RETURN OF MOLD

Now that you know the common causes of mold returning, you know how to prevent it. Make sure materials are dry, address the source of the mold, and keep moisture and humidity levels in check. Consider getting a dehumidifier and make sure you have a solid ventilation system. 

“The best dehumidifiers are rated by total pints of water vapor it can remove in a day,” Mwaniki says. “Knowing how much moisture you have will guide you in calculating the total number of dehumidifiers you need in a given affected cubic foot of areas.” 

Your attic and crawlspace are key areas to make sure you have good airflow in. Sometimes the use of attic or crawlspace fans with sensor controls are essential, Mwaniki says. Ask your Paul Davis restoration expert what they recommend. 

HOW TO DETECT MOLD 

To detect mold, use your sense of smell and sense of sight. Early signs that homeowners can look out for that signal mold coming back include musty smells, condensation, and fuzzy fungal growth on materials or discoloration on materials, Mwaniki says. 

WHERE TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR MOLD 

All porous materials can soak up moisture and end up getting moldy, so lots of areas in your home can be prone to mold. 

However, there are certain spots in your home you should pay extra attention to. 

“The furthest rooms away from the furnace can be vulnerable due to temperature differentials,”  Mwaniki says, “And also if they are facing the north side where the sun doesn’t reach to dry out the surfaces quicker.”

PAUL DAVIS CAN HELP 

If you have mold, call the Difference Makers at Paul Davis of Northeast Indiana now. Our team of compassionate professionals are available 24/7 to work with you. Just call 260-436-7510 to speak with a restoration or remediation professional.