Mold is an unwelcome guest in any home with numerous health and home hazards. Understandably, if you’ve noticed some growth, it’s natural that you’ll want to get rid of it ASAP.

Luckily, there are many ways to do this, despite how persistent mold can be. You might have to think out of the box or contact a professional, but some easy tips can make a big difference too.

One of the most common advice is to open your windows wide and let the fresh air flow. But does it work? In this post, we will clear up some of the confusion and offer some advice on how you can reduce mold growth within your home. Let’s get into it.

Will Opening Windows Reduce Mold?

The short answer is yes, it will. By opening your windows, you are increasing air circulation throughout your home. The airflow helps to reduce the moisture build-up within your home as it makes its way outside. Given that damp is one of the leading causes of mold, this improved circulation is a big bonus.

However, opening your windows isn’t a perfect fix. In certain instances, it could make the problem worse. If the moisture level outside is equal to or even higher than indoors, opening windows will worsen the problem.

Remember, moisture doesn’t just refer to rain either. Of course, opening your windows during heavy rain should be avoided, but hot temperatures can be damaging too. Exceptionally humid environments are rife with moisture. Just because it feels hot doesn’t mean that opening your windows will solve the problem.

Additionally, mold is persistent and stubborn. If getting rid of it was as easy as just opening your windows, professional assistance would never be necessary, and mold wouldn’t be that big of a deal. Unfortunately, it isn’t that easy, and mold can be a big deal.

If the growth has been ongoing for some time or has already worked its way deep into your surfaces, it will probably be more than some ventilation can handle.

So, what do you do next? That’s what we’re going to cover next.

Tips on How to Reduce Mold

If you already have a significant mold problem, the tips below aren’t going to help you get rid of it. These tips are centered on prevention rather than curing an existing problem. For deep-seated mold, you will need to perform a deep clean and call a professional.

If you have already done this or want to prepare ahead of time, then you’re in the right place. Here are our top tips for stopping mold in its tracks.

Keep Spaces Clear of Clutter

It can be very tempting to stuff everything into one cupboard or closet when tidying. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Unfortunately, mold also loves packed spaces.

Why? Because it prevents proper air circulation. Stuffed cupboards and closets can become humid fast, and the lack of ventilation means the mold can grow and grow.

If a space in your home is starting to look like an episode of Hoarders, clear it out. You will thank yourself later, especially if said space was stuffed with clothing. There is little worse than moldy clothes.

Try to Dry Clothes and Other Items Outdoors

Speaking of clothes, where do you dry yours after a wash? If you dry them indoors, you could be contributing significantly to the risk of mold growth.

All of that dampness doesn’t just disappear when an item of clothing drys. It evaporates into the air, increasing the moisture levels by as much as 30%. This moisture can then settle on your surfaces, especially windows, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold.

Depending on the weather, it isn’t always possible, but try to dry your fabrics and clothing outdoors when you can. It’s a pretty simple change that can make a big difference.

Make the Most of Dehumidifiers and Moisture Absorbers

It might sound like an obvious suggestion, but you would be surprised by how few people take advantage of what’s out there. Dehumidifiers and moisture absorbers will solve the problem of mold, as they kill the root cause: excess moisture!

If a particular room in your house seems to pose the biggest problem, place a couple of these devices in the worst-hit areas.

The best part is, you don’t need to fork out on an expensive piece of equipment. Some of the inexpensive options found in most supermarkets can be surprisingly effective, depending on the severity of the moisture. Try out different tactics and see what works.

Maximize Ventilation Wherever Possible

Circling back to the concept of opening windows briefly, we have to emphasize that ventilation is key to reducing the risk of mold. It is vital in bathrooms and kitchens, where running a hot shower or boiling water can significantly increase the moisture in the air.

Extractor fans exist for this purpose, but if yours is broken or isn’t up to scratch, opening a window and shutting the door can be highly effective. Just remember that increasing ventilation alone won’t fix the problem, especially if mold has already started to grow.

If in Doubt, Contact a Professional

There are various steps you can take to prevent mold, and many of them should work as expected. However, mold is persistent, and sometimes, no matter what you do, it will continue to grow. In these instances, it’s time to contact a professional.

At IDC Fire and Water Restoration, we can offer expert advice and fix your mold problem permanently. Mold might be stubborn, but so are we, and our tactics are tried and tested.

If you feel like you would benefit from our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch. These problems don’t go away by themselves, and ignoring them will only make them worse!