Mold is not only irritating, but also poses a threat to your health and that of your family. If you notice a musty smell that lingers in your home or symptoms such as a constant runny nose or throat irritation, it may be an indication that your home has mold spores in the air. While the spores are not obvious to the eye, they can cause a lot of damage. In this article, we are going to look at how to get rid of mold spores in the air naturally and the easily.
What Causes Mold Spores in the Air?
Mold occurs naturally and lives freely in our environment. However, it thrives and grows in damp places. When you notice airborne mold spores in your home, it means there is some kind of moisture allowing them to thrive. The most common causes include:
- Roof or internal plumbing leaks
- Improper ventilation
- Poor indoor air circulation
- Poor outdoor drainage
- High indoor humidity
- Malfunctioning HVAC system
How Long Do Mold Spores Stay in the Air?
Since mold occurs naturally in the environment, the spores can remain airborne indefinitely. This is especially the case when a home or space already has mold present. Even in circumstances when mold is not present in the home, the mold can still travel long distances. They often attach to you, on pets, or enter the house through ventilation. Once they get inside, they can spread quickly and latch onto any unattended damp areas.
Understanding how to get rid of mold spores in the air is important because there are so many opportunities for mold to grow. It can grow between your HVAC systems, plumbing, ventilation, and even outdoor maintenance. This should usually start with regular inspection for mold, maintaining proper air circulation, and inspecting air quality.
How to Get Rid of Airborne Mold Spores
Mold spores are a natural and important aspect of our environment. As such, they cannot be fully eliminated from inside your home. Although they are not a health hazard, they can quickly grow into mold. If you have a mold spore issue in your home, it means that you have a moisture issue. This is an ideal environment for a harmful amount of mold to begin growing. To prevent the issue from getting there, you need to get rid of airborne mold spores using several approaches:
- Install an Air Purifier: An air purifier is a great way to remove mold spores in the air and get the problem under control. The purifier captures and removes harmful pollutants, including mold spores, in your home. However, you should not rely on this method only, as the spores can remain in filters and continue being a problem in your home.
- Ventilate your home: Ventilation allows fresh air to circulate throughout your home. Make sure humid areas of your house, such as the kitchen, bathroom, attic, and basement, have proper fan ventilation.
- Replace HVAC filters with higher efficiency ones (HEPA): HEPA filters are designed to capture much smaller pollutants like mold spores. This makes them a safer option for those who struggle with respiratory issues.
- Get a dehumidifier: A dehumidifier is a great way of dealing with natural humidity in your home, reducing the risk of mold from growing.
- Inspect and clean your air ducts: Buildup from poor maintenance or incorrect duct sizing can lead to trapped moisture and blockages. Regular inspection helps identify issues before they lead to mold.
- Inspect plumbing and your exterior for leaks: Unattended plumbing leaks can lead to a lot of damage and mold growth. By maintaining the exterior, you can prevent mold growth and entry into your home.
Hire a Mold Inspection Expert
The best way to prevent and get rid of airborne mold spores in your home is to address the root of the problem. This means getting rid of excessive moisture, which causes mold to grow. Doing so will not only remove the hazard of mold but also create a more comfortable home environment. If you suspect your home has mold spores, contact us today. Our team of mold experts will conduct a full mold inspection and recommend spore control measures to help reduce humidity and ensure your home is safe for everyone.
