The basement is one of the most popular sports that you’ll find mold in your home. The moisture, humidity, clutter, and darkness create the perfect environment for mold growth. If you’ve found that this is an issue in your home, or are concerned it may become a problem, there are steps you can take to be proactive in preventing basement mold. Check out some of our tips below.
Insulate Pipes
Any sort of moisture in your basement is an invitation for mold. If your pipes are accumulating condensation, try insulating them. Foam tubes with a slit on the side are a quick fix for this issue!
Monitor and Reduce Humidity
The humidity levels in your home should be kept below 45% to minimize the risk of mold growth. A hygrometer can help to keep you informed of how much humidity is in your basement. If the levels are extremely high, a dehumidifier can help to keep the levels under control. Be sure to invest in a high-quality one that will effectively reduce humidity.
Clean Spills/Leaks Immediately
Any spills or leaks in the basement should be cleaned up immediately. As you know, any moisture in the basement increases the chances of mold growth. Use a space heater or dehumidifier to quickly dry any big spills.
Declutter
Many of us use the basement as a place to store all the junk that we don’t know what to do with. However, all of this clutter in your basement block air from flowing freely. Frequent cleanouts and keeping storage to a minimum in your basement will greatly reduce the risk of mold growth.
Get Rid of Wood
Wood should not be stored in the basement, as it is food for mold. Remove any firewood, logs, etc., from the basement and move to an open location where air can flow freely.
Contact DCM Environmental Testing
If you think you may have an issue with mold in your basement, call in the experts from DCM Environmental Testing! We'll do a thorough examination to determine the extent of the issue, and provide you with an unbiased solution. Fill out a contact form or give us a call today at 1-617-481-5782.
