Preventing Mould

Controlling moisture and keeping your home dry are key to preventing and limiting mould growth to protect your family’s health. Good indoor air quality supports good health. When air doesn’t move well through your home it can lead to mould. Problem areas can include the kitchen, bathrooms, windows and basements. There are simple things you can do.

1. Control moisture and humidity indoors

Aim to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30 % and 50%. You can use a hygrometer to measure humidity. Hygrometers are inexpensive devices available at most hardware stores.
Use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels as needed in the summer.
Limit long showers.
Remove lint from the dryer after each use.
Limit hanging wet laundry indoors.
To reduce moisture/condensation, cover cold surfaces such as water pipes with insulation.
On a regular basis, clean and disinfect objects that hold water, such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, showers, bathtubs, and sinks.
Don’t overwater plants. Watch for signs of mould in your plants.
If you have a sump pump, make sure the sump pit is covered.
Avoid storing firewood indoors.

2. Make sure your home is ventilated

When showering or cooking, turn on the exhaust fan or open a window. Let it run for a few minutes after you’re done.
Open windows regularly during dry weather or use fans to improve indoor air circulation.
Keep room doors open when you can.
Make sure your dryer, stove and bathroom fans vent outside. This helps remove indoor moisture.

3. Fix indoor leaks

Fix all leaks, water and dampness issues as soon as you notice them.
Make sure that seals around the bathtub and sinks are tight to prevent water from leaking on the counter, floors, or into cabinets.
If there’s a flood, clean it up within one or two days.

4. Fix outdoor moisture problems

Keep water out of your home to reduce potential sources of moisture.
Water can leak in from the outside through cracks in the foundation, floors, walls, roof, or unsealed windows and doors.
Keep your roof gutters and downspouts clean and well-functioning. Ask for maintenance service if you don’t do this chore yourself.
The ground should slope away from your home’s foundation so that water doesn’t collect and seep in.

5. Remove clutter

Declutter your basement. Too many objects can block the air from flowing.
Get rid of old cardboard boxes, paper records that aren’t needed, old clothes etc. Mould could grow on these objects.

6. Make it a habit to check for mould on a regular basis

Every month, check your home for any wet or damp spots.
Common spots to inspect include windowsills, around sinks and tubs, pipes, ceilings, closets and basement walls.