Although you can certainly have mold removed if you find it, it’s far better to avoid a mold problem in the first place. Here are a few tips and strategies for mold protection and prevention.
First of all, mold adores damp, humid conditions. Basements and bathrooms are the most likely mold habitats. Having adequate heating and cooling in your house is a good way to make it harder for mold to grow. Ensure that your air ducts are clean, that your house is well-ventilated, and that your heating and air conditioning systems are working efficiently for the best mold protection possible. If your house has severe problems with humidity, you can move to a different climate zone. If that seems too drastic, you can get dehumidifiers for every room, or at least for the most mold-vulnerable places, like your basement and bathroom. Always leave the fan on while you shower or bathe, and be vigilant about conditions that favor mold.
If you have mold and you are working to remove it, mold protection also includes the right respiratory gear. Prevent mold spores from being inhaled by wearing a good face mask with a filter. A small face mask (such as surgeons wear in the OR) is probably fine for most mold removal, but with more toxic varieties, more serious mold protection is necessary. If the mold requires more than a small face mask, it is best to have a professional remove it and take care of all cleanup procedures.
For mold removal with a diluted bleach solution (as with light cases of mold in bathrooms or basements) it’s a good idea to use gloves as part of your mold protection system to keep your skin safe from the bleach itself. Mold itself can also cause skin irritation, so that’s another good reason to wear gloves and other forms of mold protection. Professional mold cleaning and prevention services are the best protection, of course.
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