Can air movement help in preventing mildew? Everyone has been going on and on about it, so read through and see what the fuss is about.
Mildew likes to grow in humid, dark, and damp areas, both indoors and outdoors. Although it is difficult to get rid of every spore the moment mildew starts growing, there are various ways to prevent this fungus.
How Air Movement Helps In Preventing Mildew
Moisture is the most significant factor in mildew growth, and air movement is an effective way to get rid of it. When you allow dry air to enter your house, it will take up excess moisture inside and carry it outside.
However, the natural breeze may not always be sufficient, so you can try using electric fans and air vents. Areas with poor ventilation tend to be more prone to mildew, like closets which can be solved by opening the closet doors, using open weave storage baskets, or even installing a fan.
Additionally, hanging clothes loosely will also allow better air circulation. It is also important to dry your clothes, beddings, and curtain completely before storing them.
Cooking can also add up to the amount of moisture in the house, so installing an exhaust fan or keeping the windows and doors open when doing so is best.
Other ways to prevent mildew growth
Aside from allowing air movement, there are other effective ways to avoid dealing with mildew growth.
1. Fix leaks as soon as you see them
Leaky pipes and showers can be problematic. Make it a habit to regularly inspect these areas for any water fixtures and water pools.
Depending on the degree of damage, you can either patch leaks up yourself or hire professionals to do it for you.
2. Allow proper lighting
Basements, closets, and other enclosed and dark areas are susceptible to mildew since they have little to no light. Try to open closet doors for a few hours every day to allow light and air to enter.
If you can’t leave the doors open, you can install a small, battery-operated light in the space and have it on for at least 20 minutes to half an hour a day. It is also better to keep blinds and curtains open throughout the day to allow direct sunlight.
3. Use dehumidifiers in areas of your home with a high moisture level
Dehumidifiers effectively get the moisture out of the air and make the room less humid. Run a dehumidifier for a few hours to stop mildew from growing.
Your home should have a 30 to 60% humidity level to keep it comfortable and safe from mildew. When the weather is not humid, turn your humidifier off to not make your home too dry.
4. Regularly clean high-moisture areas
When cleaning, pay extra attention to areas in your home with high moisture like the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and laundry room since they are the most prone to mildew growth. To prevent mildew from growing, you can use a dry cloth to wipe them or saturate them with a multi-purpose cleaner with antifungal properties.
5. Clean spills immediately
If you happen to spill the water or coffee that you are drinking onto your carpet or any piece of furniture, clean it immediately using paper towels or rags to absorb moisture. Apply the right amount of moisture when cleaning to absorb as much moisture as possible.
Keep soaking until it is completely dry, and apply the antibacterial cleaner to prevent mildew spores from forming. Spills that are left untreated are a susceptible area for mildew.
6. Dry damp clothing and beddings immediately
Never let wet clothing or fabric sit for a long time since it develops mildew fast. Instead, run it inside the dryer or hang them outside for the sun and air to dry.
Make sure to put them in areas with direct sunlight and air movement, or they will still be damp. If you fail to prevent mildew from forming, here’s an article on how to remove mildew from fabric that you can check out.
7. Apply mildewcide to the exterior of your home to protect them
Mildewcide is a chemical solution formulated to stop mildew from growing on exterior surfaces like walls and roofing. You can also apply it inside your house, but follow the directions indicated carefully.
When using it, make sure to coat the entirety of the walls evenly to avoid gaps where mildew can grow. Mildewcide can protect surfaces for a year before you need to reapply it.
There are paints with chemicals mixed with them beforehand. If they don’t, you can mix mildewcide yourself before applying it to surfaces.
In order to identify if your preventive measures have failed, read this guide about what does mildew smell like.
Conclusion
Now that the question “can air movement help in preventing mildew” has been answered, you know how to avoid dealing with the stubborn fungus effectively. Not only will this keep your home clean, but it will also keep you away from diseases it may bring.