Basements are extremely useful. People use their basements for so many different things. They can be used for storage, an exercise room, a play area, a workshop, or an entertainment area. The potential uses are nearly endless.
However, basements can have their problems. One problem is that they are prone to mold. This is due to the location of basements, along with their tendency to have high levels of humidity and some other factors. Therefore, if you want to keep your basement mold-free, you will need to stay alert and be prepared to do a bit of work. However, considering the damage mold can do to your health and your property, it is well worth the effort. So, let’s look at what you can do to keep your basement mold-free.
Repair Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing leaks can lead to wet spots or even pools of water that may get left for extended time periods. Then due to the fact that basements are located below ground level, the moisture could easily be trapped. If this happens, the basement could become very moist, and mold could easily grow. So, as soon as you notice a leak, you need to clean up the water and use a heater to dry the basement. Then, you should quickly have any plumbing leaks repaired or repair them yourself.
Keep the Humidity Level Down
A moist environment is perfect for mold growth, and basements can easily have a very moist environment even without any plumbing leaks. This makes it essential to keep the humidity level in your basement under control. The easiest way to do this is by placing a dehumidifier in your basement. You can set the dehumidifier to keep the humidity level in your basement to the desired level. Just to be sure the humidity is at an acceptable level, you can use a hygrometer to measure the level.
Avoid Clutter
If your basement is cluttered, you are not getting very good airflow. This also means your basement isn’t very well ventilated, which makes it a better environment for mold to grow. One way to avoid this problem is to ensure that any clothing, books, or any similar items are neatly and carefully stored. Also, you should not store too many items in your basement. It is essential to have enough room for airflow. Additionally, it is best not to store your items against the wall or directly on the floor.
Have an Exhaust Fan Installed
An exhaust fan is a great way to improve the airflow in your basement. This fan will help remove the humid air and allow fresh air in. This will definitely decrease the chances of mold forming in your basement.
Don’t Allow Water to Pool Around Your House
There is also something you can do on the outside of your home to help avoid mold growth in your basement. You can make sure that water pools do not form around your house. These pools can easily form after it rains or snows. To avoid having this happen, you need to ensure that water is directed away from your home. If you do this, it can help keep this water from increasing the moisture levels in your basement, thus decreasing the likelihood that mold will develop.
Final Thoughts
Following the above steps can considerably decrease the chances of mold forming in your basement. It may take a bit of effort, but it is well worth it to help protect your family’s health. It could also save you a considerable amount of money since mold remediation is quite expensive.
Contact Us
If you have a mold problem in your basement, contact Restore Pro. Our certified mold remediation experts have decades of experience in removing mold and returning your basement to its previous condition. Call us at 1-800-847-0114 and connect with us on Facebook.
