Mold and Mildew Prevention for Fall: Protecting Your Home's Exterior (2024)

FAQs

Mold and Mildew Prevention for Fall: Protecting Your Home's Exterior? ›

Keep It Clean

Dirty siding offers a source of nutrients to the mold spores, so an accumulation of dirt should be cleaned properly. A garden hose and a soft-bristle brush every couple of months goes a long way toward preventing dirt buildup. You can also find and remove any early signs of mold during regular cleaning.

Keep It Clean

Dirty siding offers a source of nutrients to the mold spores, so an accumulation of dirt should be cleaned properly. A garden hose and a soft-bristle brush every couple of months goes a long way toward preventing dirt buildup. You can also find and remove any early signs of mold during regular cleaning.

Help keep your home free of mold and mildew with a few preventive measures. Use dehumidifiers, fans, and open windows to help reduce the moisture in your home.

Moisture Control is the Key to Mold Control

Clean and repair roof gutters regularly. Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation. Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.

Once your walls are clean, you may want to consider adding a waterproof coating or facade cream depending on the external finish. Although they may not entirely inhibit mould or algae, they will provide a protective layer to prevent any future water ingress from permeating the walls.

Hydrogen peroxide kills mold effectively on materials such as clothing, floors, bathroom fixtures, walls and items such as kitchen appliances. Pour 3% concentration hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle.

Sunlight and fresh air are about as “anti-mold” as it gets, plus it's easy to do.

Mix one part bleach to four parts water. Wipe and gently scrub the mould until it is gone. Finish by wiping away the bleach mixture and dry the area well with a soft cloth.

The effectiveness and affordability of white vinegar makes it an excellent choice for use on just about any surface. It is also effective to use to prevent mold from returning to problem areas. Simply spray the problem area lightly every few days and wipe.

What device prevents mold in house? ›

Dehumidifiers are a great tool for preventing mold growth. Mold grows when there is a water source, which could be a leak, a flood, or high humidity.

Put plastic over dirt in crawlspaces and keep them well ventilated. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms. Turn off humidifiers if you see condensation on windows. Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners in basem*nts and other areas of the house where mold tends to grow, especially in hot humid climates.

The ideal temperature is between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. During the summer months, temperatures are often higher than normal inside the home. Make an effort to keep temperatures inside the home lower during the summer months. Setting the thermostat to the low 70s makes it more difficult for mold to grow.

Brush, scrape, or rake slime mold from affected areas. Turn off sprinklers to the area of the infected lawn. Reducing moisture in the area will help reduce mold. When the grass is dry remove any dead grass or thatch and place it in the trash.

For larger jobs, use 1 cup bleach added to 3 gallons of water. Pre-wet the surface to be cleaned with water. Apply the bleach and water solution to the surface with a scrub brush. Reapply as needed to keep the surface wet for up to 10 minutes.

Disinfect – Wipe down umbrella fabric with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. The vinegar kills mold spores and helps remove musty odors. Increase airflow – Keep umbrellas open when not in use.