Are you concerned about mold in an unoccupied home? A closed house in Boca Raton increases the possibility for mildew growth, but what are molds and what makes them grow? According to the Florida Department of Health, molds are a type of fungi found everywhere in indoor and outdoor air and need moisture to grow. Indoors, mold growth is high in basements and showers due to high humidity levels.
They further state that controlling moisture is the key to stopping indoor mold growth. Sources of moisture include:
- Poor venting of bathroom and kitchen moisture
- Outdoor sprinkler spray hitting walls
- Indoor plumbing leaks or broken water pipes
- Overwatering of plants
- Moisture from human bodies
- Condensation due to high indoor humidity.
Now that we know where mold comes from, how can we get rid of mold in an unoccupied home?
Install Dehumidifiers Or Moisture Absorbing Bags
To prevent organic materials in vacant homes from getting mold infestation, moisture management is required. Two ways of doing so are using moisture-absorbing bags and installing dehumidifiers. Moisture-absorbing bags are filled with materials such as silica gel, clay absorbers and calcium chloride that draw moisture in. When a home is closed for periods of time, these bags might become full, causing further problems. Alternatively, install dehumidifiers that draw air from a room, remove the moisture content and return the dry air to the space.
Ensure Optimal Ventilation
What is defined as optimal ventilation in a home? The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services states that the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends a home have 0.35 air changes per hour (ACH) to maintain a healthy indoor environment.
To prevent surface mold from becoming a health concern, what can you do to ensure optimal ventilation?
- If your home has a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system with a filter, change the filter every three months, use a pleated filter, and make sure it is installed properly.
- Use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaner if you don’t have an HVAC system.
- Install exhaust fans that vent outdoors above your stovetop and in the bathroom.
Consider A Bathroom Fan
When you combine the humidity in South Florida with the moisture created in a bathroom by hot water, a bathroom fan is a necessity. The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) recommends getting rid of excess moisture by leaving the fan on for twenty minutes after the bathroom was used. The system can be automated with a timer, and they also suggest installing a separate fan for steam showers. Do you know what type of exhaust fan to use for your size bathroom? Fans are rated on cubic feet per minute (cfm), so choose a fan appropriate to your bathroom needs.
Have Your Home Cleaned Regularly By A Cleaning Service
Do you want a mold-free home? Get rid of mold spores and musty smells by having your house cleaned regularly by a cleaning service. Gardens Home Management Services (GHMS) offers housekeeping and interior home care services carried out by fully trained, licensed, bonded and insured home care professionals. Did you know we will even repair appliances for you?
We have standard detail and freshen-up services, and can also do the following in your home:
- Carpet cleaning
- Upholstery and drapery cleaning
- Window and mirror cleaning
- Marble and Stone care.
Don’t hesitate to use the most popular service offered by Gardens Home Management Services. Request a free consultation to discuss your unique needs.
Gardens Home Management Services is committed to providing excellent customer service to our clients in South Florida. We are available 24 hours a day, 7-days a week, throughout the year and have branches in Palm Beach Gardens, Boca Raton and Boynton Beach. Do you need pool and spa maintenance services? We can help. If you have mold in an unoccupied home in Boca Raton, contact Gardens Home Management Services today for help.