How to Prevent Mold in Florida Homes: A Complete Guide
In humid climates and vacant homes, mold can run rampant. If you require mold removal in Florida, All Dry USA is here to help! While mold may seem like a pesky inconvenience at first, it can quickly grow into a big problem, leading to:
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- Allergic reactions
- Asthma
- Fungal infections
- Exposure to mycotoxins
- Illness and disease
These dangerous consequences make fighting mold essential. From our team at All Dry USA, this is our complete guide for Florida homeowners ready to prevent mold.
Mold in Florida
The climate and dense humidity of Florida make homes in this state particularly vulnerable to mold accumulation. When it comes to Florida mold, and especially the mold in South Florida homes, it is vital to make prevention a top priority.
Just as a house or office requires regular cleaning, actively preventing mildew should be part of your routine maintenance. Mold prevention efforts should be just as consistent.
Florida is not only of a generally humid climate. It is also susceptible to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, that can occasionally result in flooding. These severe storms can bring water damage, leading to mold infestations.
The many risks are why Florida residents should learn how to take care of mold ahead of time.
Preventative Measures
Due to the nature of mold and its exponential growth, it is much easier to prevent it than deal with it by the time it has taken hold. Staying vigilant in your indoor cleaning method is an integral part of avoiding mildew altogether.
What Is the Best Temperature to Prevent Mold?
Mold and mildew thrive in warmer, damp areas. As such, the best temperature to prevent mold is at 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 degrees Celsius. Anything warmer is an appropriate climate for mildew to thrive.
If you are going on vacation or leaving your house unoccupied for extended periods, you want to check the thermostat before leaving. It is crucial to know what temperature to leave a vacant house in Florida to ensure you don’t come home to an infestation.
What Is the Best Equipment to Prevent Mold?
You can take further precautionary measures, such as installing humidity indicators and dehumidifiers. Other tools help capture humidity, such as moisture absorbing bags.
Additionally, make use of the exhaust fans you have in washers and bathrooms. Never leave damp clothes too long if you hang them up to dry.
What Areas Are Most Susceptible to Mold Growth?
Areas that retain a lot of moisture are especially vulnerable to mold growth. These areas include:
- Showers
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Closets
- Cabinets
- Enclosed-spaces
- Attics
- Crawl Spaces
- Garages
For mold to grow, it requires:
- A dense amount of water in the air
- A small amount of water in the air of a closed-in space
- Stagnant water
Places like bathrooms and kitchens specifically can accumulate a vast amount of mold in very little time.
For prevention, you want to focus on:
- Regularly wiping down drains
- Drying surfaces that have water accumulating (such as a shower right after use)
- Maintaining air circulation via air conditioning, ceiling fan, or dehumidifier
Recovery Methods
Flooding is a massive contributor to mildew growth. However, it is not always a preventable situation. Once mildew has found its footing, you must get rid of it thoroughly and effectively. Even a few remnant spores can mean a swift recurrence of the mold you thought you left eliminated.
To efficiently clean out mold requires specific tools, including:
- Vinegar and baking soda
- Scrub brushes
- Rubber gloves
- Eye protection
Recognizing Mold
While mold and mildew seem similar, they are two different growths.
Mold:
- Can grow in dimension
- Black, green, or red
- Can be fuzzy
Mildew:
- Is always flat
- White and gray, turns brown
- Can be powdery
If you see signs of mildew or mold growth, contact an All Dry USA expert.
However, these infestations won’t always grow in visible areas. You might have an infestation but not know it – except for the symptoms that manifest in reaction to it. Florida black mold symptoms include:
- Nosebleeds
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Mood swings
Black mold exudes a musty smell and has a slippery texture. It is one type of mold that can be lethal for anyone exposed to it.
Avoiding Mold Growth
It is imperative for those living in the Sunshine State to know just how to prevent mildew in Florida. It is a blemish on one’s home or office, and it can be severely damaging to your family’s health if it persists. It can provoke new health issues and revive existing ones.
Avoiding mold growth and knowing how to get rid of it properly are imperative for residents of Florida. Bear in mind how crucial it is because while it is not a pretty sight, it is even worse as a health risk.
Contact us at All Dry USA for a free quote regarding mold identification and remediation. Let us help protect you against the threat.
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With Ben’s knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction.