FAQ - MOLD AND MILDEW

How can I protect my home from mold and mildew?

Protecting your home against interior moisture is just as important as keeping outside water from getting in. If water is allowed to collect and stand unattended, it can affect your health and the structural integrity of your home.

All homes generate water and humidity. Kitchens, baths, laundry rooms and basements are the worst areas. Make sure your kitchen, bath and laundry room are ventilated to the outside. Turn on the ventilating fans for a few minutes every day to clear out the moisture, especially during use.

Bathrooms are especially susceptible to moisture collection. They get used every day and are normally one of the smallest rooms in a house. Toilets sweat because the cold water cools the tank and causes the humidity in the room to condense on the tank and subsequently drip to the floor or down the wall.

If mildew is left unchecked, it can cause respiratory problems and, in extreme cases, structural rot.

• Ventilate your basement once a month.
• Run a dehumidifier.
• Make sure clothing is completely dry before putting it away.
• Air out your kitchen and bathroom cabinets every month.
• Keep shower and bathtub drains free of soap scum by using a cloth or squeegee after showers and baths.
• A simple, inexpensive solution is to cover the tank with a terrycloth wrap.

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