{"id":18399,"date":"2021-10-14T22:01:03","date_gmt":"2021-10-14T22:01:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alternatech.net\/?p=18399"},"modified":"2021-10-14T22:01:04","modified_gmt":"2021-10-14T22:01:04","slug":"big-mistakes-that-lead-to-mold-and-mildew-growth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/big-mistakes-that-lead-to-mold-and-mildew-growth\/","title":{"rendered":"Big Mistakes That Lead to Mold and Mildew Growth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class='\"has-text-align-right\"'>By Michelle Ullman\n\n\n\n</p><h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You leave spills on your carpets\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Yes, that spilled glass of water or other beverage may not be a big puddle, but once it seeps underneath the carpet, the damp padding is a perfect spot for mold to flourish. Always blot up spills right away, even if they are \u201conly water.\u201d If you get on it quickly, you&rsquo;ll not only help prevent mold growth, you&rsquo;ll also cut down on carpet stains.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img fetchpriority='\"high\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/Carpet-wet-with-water.jpeg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-18402\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Carpet-wet-with-water.jpeg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You overwater your houseplants\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Newbie plant parents may be most concerned about underwatering their houseplants, but in fact, overwatering is just as big a problem. Not only does soggy soil \u201cdrown\u201d and rot the roots of a plant, it also serves as an open invitation for mold to move in. If you notice a layer of white, fuzzy mold on the surface of your houseplants\u2019 soil, use a spoon to scoop away the top inch or so of the dirt and replace it with clean, fresh potting soil. Going forward, cut down on your watering, giving your plants a drink only when the soil is dry down to about a half-inch or an inch below the surface.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/overwatering_house_plants.jpeg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-18400\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/overwatering_house_plants.jpeg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You don\u2019t fix small leaks\n\n\n\n</h2><p>The tiny drip behind the toilet. The slow leak beneath your kitchen sink. That barely there puddle next to your washing machine. It\u2019s tempting to ignore these small leaks, but by doing so, you encourage the growth of moisture-loving mold\u2014and add to your water bills as well. It\u2019s much easier to tackle a leak while it\u2019s still small, so don&rsquo;t procrastinate. Call a professional or, if it\u2019s within your DIY skill set, fix any leaks yourself as soon as you notice them.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/Plumber-Fixing-Pipe-leaks.jpeg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-18401\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Plumber-Fixing-Pipe-leaks.jpeg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>The humidity in your house is too high\n\n\n\n</h2><p>In some parts of the country, high humidity is just a normal part of summer. It can, however, become a problem if the indoor humidity reaches much above 60 percent, as the resulting condensation on walls, flooring, and windows could be enough to support the growth of mold and mildew. If necessary, run a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home\u2014the basement tends to be a prime suspect.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/high_humidity_house.jpeg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-18403\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/high_humidity_house.jpeg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>It\u2019s raining indoors\n\n\n\n</h2><p>If long-term leaks in the roof or around your windows are letting rain drip inside, you\u2019ll eventually pay a price not only in damage to the paint, drywall, and even wooden studs but also in the growth of mold. As with all leaks, it&rsquo;s best to take care of these repairs as soon as possible, before mold can set in.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/leaky_ceiling.jpeg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-18404\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/leaky_ceiling.jpeg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You leave wet towels or clothing on the floor\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Whether it\u2019s a towel after your teen\u2019s shower, your sweaty running shirt and shorts, or your toddler\u2019s bathing suit, wet fabric left crumpled on the floor is an open invitation to mildew. You\u2019ll smell the distinctive musty odor in as little as a day if conditions are just right for this nuisance fungus. Hang up towels after every use, and either washes wet or sweaty clothing right away or hang it up to dry before tossing it into the laundry bin.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/wet_towel_on_floor.jpeg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-18405\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/wet_towel_on_floor.jpeg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You don\u2019t let your bathroom air out\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Bathrooms are a prime breeding ground for mold and mildew, as they tend to be warm and damp. To keep the moisture level down, leave the door open after a bath or shower, let the bathroom ventilation fan run for at least 20 minutes, pull the shower curtain closed so it can dry, and always hang up damp towels and bath mats.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/water_moisture_in_bathroom.jpeg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-18406\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/water_moisture_in_bathroom.jpeg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Your kitchen is steamy\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Kitchens are another favorite spot for mold because they offer plenty of moisture to support fungal growth. When boiling pots of water, open a window, if possible, or run the vent fan. Wipe up spills right away, and avoid leaving large piles of dishes in the sink. Spread out the dish towel so it can air out between uses, and wash it regularly.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"801\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/Boiling-water-in_kitchen.jpeg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-18407\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Boiling-water-in_kitchen.jpeg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'><strong>You have cardboard boxes stacked in the garage\n\n\n\n<p>Mold grows quickly on moist paper, so a garage filled with stacked cardboard boxes is likely to turn into a fungus playground if high humidity or leaks make the boxes wet. You can cut down the potential for mold growth by repairing any roof or ground leaks in the garage. But it&rsquo;s also a good idea to separate boxes enough to allow airflow between them, or even better, transfer the contents to plastic storage containers with tight lids. Placing a few buckets filled with cat litter or activated charcoal around the garage will also help control moisture.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/cardboard_boxes_garage.jpeg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-18408\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/cardboard_boxes_garage.jpeg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You vent moisture-producing appliances inside\n\n\n\n</h2><p>If your air conditioner, clothes dryer, stove, or bathroom fan vent into the attic instead of outside, you risk welcoming mold into your house. The high humidity produced by these appliances is more than sufficient to support mold growth, especially when contained within a warm area like an attic. If it is impossible to vent your appliances to the exterior of your house, look into fitting the vents with moisture traps to keep humidity under control.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/vent_moisture_bathroom_fan.jpeg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-18409\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/vent_moisture_bathroom_fan.jpeg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You don\u2019t vacuum often enough\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Mold spores drift through the air, eventually settling on the floor, where they are easily kicked up by the feet of family members and pets. If the spores finally land somewhere moist and undisturbed, they are likely to begin growing and dividing; it takes mold just 24 to 48 hours to establish a colony once spores have found a warm, damp spot. Vacuum all flooring, particularly carpeting and area rugs, at least once a week to help remove mold spores from your home.\u00a0\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/08%5C/vacuum_under_furniture.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-12958\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/vacuum_under_furniture.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Wet Clothing on the Floor\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Wet towels, bath mats, bathing suits, and other wet clothing left lying on the floor can cause mold at home. When you smell a distinctive musty odor, conditions are right for mold and mildew to thrive. Hang and spread out towels after each use. Hang any wet clothes to dry before tossing them in the laundry bin, or else wash and dry them right away.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"626\"' height='\"417\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/pilha-de-roupa-suja-na-cesta-de-lavagem-em-fundo-de-prancha-de-madeira-amarela_34362-1595.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-18410\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/pilha-de-roupa-suja-na-cesta-de-lavagem-em-fundo-de-prancha-de-madeira-amarela_34362-1595.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You store fresh firewood inside the garage or house\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Freshly cut firewood releases a lot of moisture as the wood ages. Until your wood is completely dry, store it outside in a spot that is protected from the elements and has plenty of airflows\u2014not in your garage or living room, where the moisture and warmth are likely to encourage mold growth.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-pullquote\"'><blockquote><p>Bonus: There&rsquo;re some tips to prevent mold growth in your area\n\n\n\n</p><h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Natural light is powerful\n\n\n\n</h3><p>As much as you can, open the blinds and let the light in. Mold colonies survive best in cool, dark, damp places, so bathing your house in the sunshine is a surefire way to prevent mold growth.\n\n\n\n</p><h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Wipe down any standing water\n\n\n\n</h3><p>This could be on the shower walls and mirrors after your shower, or on the kitchen counter after you wash dishes.\n\n\n\n</p><h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Never forget those ventilation fans, or really, any fans\n\n\n\n</h3><p>Whether you\u2019re boiling water for tea or will only be in the bathroom for a few minutes, it\u2019s a good idea to turn on any ventilation fans you have in your house. Or, if you have other fans, like ceiling fans or swamp coolers, you can turn those on during especially humid seasons.\n\n\n\n</p><h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Check for standing water\n\n\n\n</h3><p>It\u2019s a good idea to get in the habit of checking for standing water in places that you normally wouldn\u2019t look. Underneath plants, for instance, in windowsills, under the fridge, etc. Just keep an eye out. And, you can also take a peek at the pipes under your sinks to make sure nothing is dripping.\n\n\n\n</p><h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Pay attention to damp clothing\n\n\n\n</h3><p>When doing laundry, you shouldn\u2019t allow damp clothes to sit in the washer. And, if you hang your clothes to dry, make sure they\u2019re being hung up outside.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>By Michelle Ullman You leave spills on your carpets Yes, that spilled glass of water or other beverage may not be a big puddle, but once it seeps underneath the carpet, the damp padding is a perfect spot for mold to flourish. Always blot up spills right away, even if they are \u201conly water.\u201d If\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18411,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[43,61,96,30,46,6,31,32],"class_list":{"0":"post-18399","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tie-life-style","8":"tag-cleaning-house","9":"tag-cleaning-tips","10":"tag-diy-home","11":"tag-household-hacks","12":"tag-life-hacks","13":"tag-life-style","14":"tag-tips","15":"tag-tricks"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Xanh-duong-Art-Deco-Thu-nghiem-Tu-van-Kinh-doanh-Trang-web-3.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18399","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18399"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18399\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18411"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18399"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18399"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18399"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></blockquote></figure></p></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></strong></h2></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div>