What Are the Ideal Conditions for Mold Growth?
We all want to feel safe and happy in our homes. Chances are, you’ve worked hard to make your house the best possible living space for you and your family. However, mold growth can quickly change your idyllic home environment from peaceful to distressing.
Living with mold can create serious problems. Not only does mold damage your house, it can also cause serious health issues. Mold makes allergy and asthma symptoms worse, and persistent exposure can lead to shortness of breath, body aches, and memory problems. It is especially dangerous for individuals with preexisting conditions or whose immune systems are weak or underdeveloped.
Mold isn’t just a risk for old or deteriorating properties. Any structure can be a haven for mold and mildew under the right circumstances. Understanding the ideal conditions for mold growth can help you keep it out of your home.
Ideal Mold Growth Conditions
Temperature
Mold typically thrives at temperatures between 60℉ and 80℉. Unfortunately, this range is the same one humans are most comfortable in. This doesn’t mean you need to run out and buy an air conditioner to freeze your home. Luckily, there are other factors you can control to prevent mold from growing in your house.
Humidity
Another major factor that causes mold to thrive is humidity. To prevent mold, indoor humidity levels should be kept lower than 60%, ideally somewhere in the range of 30%-50%. Not only will this discourage mold growth, it can also prevent other pests like cockroaches and dust mites from taking up residence in your home.
A few ways to lower your humidity levels include:
- Using a dehumidifier
- Taking cool showers
- Buying mold-fighting house plants
- Replacing carpets with hard flooring
- Venting your house and attic
Moisture
Since mold loves humidity, any place that it finds moist conditions can become a breeding ground for mold. You can control the moisture levels in your home by:
- Repairing leaks in roofs, eaves, or water fixtures
- Sealing and insulating all air ducts
- Making sure furniture, carpets, and drapes have sufficiently dried after cleaning
- Checking attics and crawl spaces for water damage
If you live near a large body of water like Lake Coeur d’Alene, you could be at a higher risk for mold growth. Flooding and water damage cause mold to flourish, as can damp conditions in your house. Be sure to diligently maintain a low humidity level and repair leaks or any areas affected by flooding.
Mold Removal in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Taking steps to prevent the ideal conditions for mold growth in your house is a great way to protect yourself and your family. If you do find mold in your home, however, don’t panic. The professional mold removal team at My Pure Environment is ready to help you get rid of mold without damaging your property.
For help fighting mold growth in your home, contact us for a free inspection and onsite consultation. Our patented dry fog technology eradicates mold spores and mildew on contact without requiring any demolition. Call us at 509-213-1915 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help you get rid of mold in your home.
Photo by Jarosław Kwoczała on Unsplash
