The 5 Best Tips To Prevent Mold Growth

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to keep mold out of a bathroom?

Run the exhaust fan during every shower and for a while afterward, and make sure it actually vents outside rather than into the attic. Squeegee or wipe down shower walls, hang towels to dry, and fix dripping faucets or loose caulk quickly. Bathrooms grow mold when moisture has nowhere to go, so airflow does most of the work.

Does a dehumidifier prevent mold?

It helps a lot in damp spaces like basements, laundry rooms and closets on exterior walls. A dehumidifier lowers humidity so mold doesn't have the moisture it needs. Pair it with an inexpensive hygrometer so you know whether it's doing its job, and empty or drain it regularly. It won't fix a leak, though, so find the water source first.

How do I stop mold from growing in my closets?

Closets trap moisture because air rarely moves through them. Leave the door cracked open, don't pack items tight against exterior walls, and never put away damp clothes, shoes or towels. Plastic bins can trap humidity, so use breathable storage when possible. If a closet keeps smelling musty, check the wall behind it for a leak or condensation.

Can running the air conditioner help prevent mold?

Yes. Air conditioning pulls humidity out of the air as it cools, which makes it harder for mold to grow. Keep the system maintained, change filters on schedule, and make sure the condensate line and drip pan drain properly, since a clogged line can cause the very water problem you're trying to avoid. Don't set the temperature so low that surfaces sweat.

What are the early warning signs of mold in a house?

The first sign is often a musty or earthy smell before you see anything. Look for small dark or greenish spots on grout, window frames and ceilings, peeling paint, and condensation on windows or pipes. Allergy symptoms that get better when you leave home are another clue. Catching these signs early keeps a small cleanup from turning into a full remediation job.

Does mold-resistant paint really work?

It helps, but only as a backup plan. Mold-resistant paint contains additives that slow growth on the painted surface, which is useful in bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens. It won't stop mold inside walls, and it won't help if there's an ongoing leak or constant humidity. Only apply it to clean, dry surfaces with no existing mold growth.

How do I keep mold from growing after a spill on carpet?

Blot up as much liquid as possible right away, then extract the rest with a wet vacuum and get air moving with fans and a dehumidifier. Lift a corner to check that the pad underneath is drying too. If a large area got soaked or it doesn't dry within a day or two, have it professionally extracted and dried before mold sets in.

Should I open my windows to prevent mold if I live near the coast?

It depends on the weather. Fresh air helps on dry, sunny days, but along the coast in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, the marine layer can bring in air that is wetter than what's inside. On foggy or humid mornings, keep windows closed and run exhaust fans or a dehumidifier instead. Open up when the air outside is drier.

How can I prevent mold in my crawl space?

Keep water out and moisture down. Make sure gutters and downspouts carry rain away from the foundation, the soil slopes away from the house, and plumbing under the floor isn't leaking. Many older homes in the area sit on raised foundations with dirt crawl spaces. A vapor barrier or full crawl space encapsulation is one of the most effective long-term fixes.

When should I call a professional about mold instead of handling it myself?

Call for help when the growth covers more than a small patch, keeps returning after cleaning, follows a water leak or flood, or shows up in your HVAC system. It's also wise if anyone in the house has asthma, allergies or a weakened immune system. Vortex offers mold removal and remediation with free estimates and IICRC certified technicians.