There are a lot of exciting things about the winter months. It is a time to bundle up, make soups, keep warm, and spend more time indoors. However, the wet winter seasons also bring dreadful mold growth. The high moisture in the atmosphere during this time of year and the appliances installed in our homes to keep us warm can promote mold growth. Molds are tiny fungi organisms that grow and multiply by producing spores.
Mold feeds on organic substances like wood when there is enough moisture and humidity to support its growth. Molds are not only harmful to your health but they can also cause damage to your house and furniture. Inhaling mold spores can cause allergic reactions and other health complications, while mold growth on your property can damage various materials and even lead to structural damage in severe cases. Unfortunately, you cannot prevent molds spores from entering your home because some levels are always present in the air. But you can prevent having a conducive environment that encourages their growth.
It is easy for us to think mold will not grow in the winter because of the freezing temperatures, and the difficulty for most living organisms to survive in such conditions. But just because it's cold outside, doesn't mean mold can't thrive inside your warm and cozy home. Mold thrives in a variety of environments. Some molds are more likely to grow during the winter months than others. Each type of mold has a minimum and maximum temperature range for growth, with many fungi thriving in temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unfortunately, the ideal temperature conditions for mold growth also happen to be the same as for our comfort, and we usually keep our homes within those same parameters. And even the mold found outdoors isn't killed by the cold temperatures. They simply become dormant and will start growing again as soon as the temperature rises. And when that happens, the melted snow provides them with one of the essential requirements for their growth - moisture. Wooden window frames, door frames, and other parts of the house are a good source of nutrients and organic food that mold needs to grow.
Having mold in your house is a problem. However, not knowing you have mold or where the source is located is a much bigger problem. Some places are prone to mold growth in the winter and should be checked if you suspect mold growth.
The bathroom is one of the places in a home where excess moisture cannot be avoided. Water splashes, condensation from the hot water, and high humidity in the case of a poorly ventilated bathroom can accelerate the growth of mold.
Pipes under the bathroom sinks, toothbrush racks, and water outlet pipes that help discharge used water create a humid environment that encourages mold growth.
The kitchen sink is home to dirty plates and leftovers. These are organic substances that will inspire mold growth.
Spoilt food left in the refrigerator pantry can quickly grow mold because of moisture, organic nutrients for mold, and humidity in the refrigerator.
The microwave is one of the places where there is always contact with food. Therefore, it is an attractive spot for mold growth. The stove is also often warm, and food stains there may grow mold.
As dangerous as mold can be, the thought of having it in your bed can be even more frightening. All mold needs to survive and thrive is moisture and a place to grow, and your mattress is no exception.
A lot of windows and door frames are made of wood which could be a source of food for molds. Poor ventilation and condensation on wooden windows or doors provide moisture and will eventually result in mold growth.
Mold can be dangerous to your health and property. That's why you should follow these practical tips to prevent mold from growing in your home during the winter season.
Always keep your house clean, especially the areas that have constant contact with moisture. Keep your refrigerator and freezer free from spoilt food as well.
Pipe insulation not only helps prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, but also helps to prevent condensation. This in turn also reduces the risk of having mold in your house.
The seals on doors and windows help prevent moisture and humidity from entering the house. Do a regular check to ensure the seals are tight and not leaking air in.
Condensation is the primary cause of mold growth on windows and doors. And the best way to prevent mold in these areas is to simply remove the condensation as soon as forms.
High humidity leads to condensation. High humidity is also an ideal condition for mold growth. Keep the humidity levels in your home low enough (below 40%), and you can stop mold growth in its tracks.
The purpose of a dehumidifier is to reduce the moisture in the air and reduce condensation. All of which prevent the growth of mold.
If you discover mold patches in your house or molds are taking over your home, it is a red flag and cause for alarm. You need to act fast and remove the mold from your house because they tend to spread quickly. You should call professional mold remediation services to help you and never try to remove mold yourself. That is because removing mold is a complicated process. It requires special equipment and removal methods to be accomplished safely. Trying to do it yourself, you run the risk of spreading the spores to other areas of the house and making the situation even worse.
The cost of mold remediation depends on various factors, such as the size of the affected area, where is the mold located and how easily accessible it is, the severity of the mold infestation, and the type of equipment required to remove the mold.
Mold is dangerous to your health and the structural integrity of your home. Mold is also capable of growing during the winter, even with freezing temperatures outside. Don't forget to regularly check areas prone to mold growth to stop the problem before it gets out of control.
If you found mold in your home, you should hire certified specialists to help you remove it. If you need help with mold in your home, no matter the season, feel free to call Hippo Carpet Cleaning of Queens for a mold remediation service done professionally at an affordable cost. Contact us at 718-535-7916 to take care of your mold problem for good!
« Back to Our Blog
