Controlling Mold in the Home

In order for mold to grow, high moisture levels are required. Keeping your house "dry" should reduce the chances of any serious problems taking hold. Try and maintain the relative humidity (Rh) in your home at about 40% whenever possible. Molds usually require a humidity level of at least 50% to grow and growth under 65% is not common. If mold growth is noticed, remove it using a solution of bleach and water. A "drop" of detergent can be added but don’t add too much because detergent is "sticky" and a great breeding ground for mold. If you can, try and determine the cause of the problem.

Mold and the cleaning/removal of it has serious health and safety concerns related to it. Always take the proper precautions and wear proper attire when cleaning it (e.g. protective gloves, respirator, etc.). If you’re allergic to mold don’t clean it. For some, simply touching mold can cause severe allergic reactions and in extreme cases fatalities.

Here are some items you can try which should help keep your home free from mold and its related health problems:

 Make sure your exterior walls, basement, and, attic are insulated and have vapour barriers

 Check the venting of your heating system

 Clean and maintain humidifiers & dehumidifiers

 Don’t use carpet in high moisture areas like the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room

 Check for mold growth on window ledges, bathtubs, showers and other high moisture areas

 Don’t dry laundry indoors on a line

 Don’t keep damp laundry around

 Don’t overcrowd closets or cabinets and allow air to circulate

 Dry off shower and bath surrounds after every use

 Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen.

 Use a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or air exchanger to exhaust moist, stale inside air and replace it with fresh outside air.

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