How to Prevent Black Mold Growth After Professional Removal
If you’ve recently had black mold removal, you’re probably wondering how you can prevent it from returning in the future. The good news is that it’s easy to implement strategies and tools to help avoid mold regrowth after remediation. After every mold removal in Vaughan, the MoldTech team performs, we help homeowners keep their homes mold-free by discussing prevention strategies. Taking small proactive steps throughout the year can eliminate the triggers that cause a mold infestation and reduce the speed at which an infestation can grow. Here are several key points to remember about mold prevention.
Understanding Black Mold Growth
The first thing you need to know is the where and why of mold growth. Black mold needs specific elements to be in place for it to grow; therefore, it stands to reason that preventing or reducing these conditions will reduce your risk.
At MoldTech, we like to talk about the three most critical elements of mold growth: moisture, ventilation, and organic materials.
Moisture is present in much of our home for reasons that are both purposeful (such as bathing or cooking) and accidental (such as leaks or floods), but both reasons can lead to mold growth if moisture is allowed to linger or build up. Swiftly drying up spills, fixing leaks, and reducing excess humidity are all basic mold-prevention strategies to keep in mind.
Ventilation is also key. Air movement dries up excess moisture, which is why it’s essential to crack a window or install an exhaust fan in the bathroom — all that hot and steamy air is one of the primary causes of bathroom mold!
And lastly, mold thrives on organic matter like wood, textiles, and drywall. Of course, we can’t eliminate these materials from our homes, but we can make sure they stay dry and air them out when they get wet.
Steps to Prevent Black Mold After Removal
Here are a few of our favourite tips for preventing black mold from recurring after removal:
- Inspect for leaks: Regularly look under sinks, around tubs, and behind appliances that use water. A small but consistent drip is all it takes!
- Improve your ventilation: Air flow not only helps remove moisture but also improves indoor air quality, making your home healthier and more comfortable. Pay close attention to the basement, especially in the winter when windows are closed and the heat is on.
- Control indoor humidity: Your home’s humidity should be balanced at around 50% — this keeps your family comfortable while preventing build-up that can lead to mold.
- Clean up spills ASAP: If you have a spill or flood, the best thing to do is dry it up as quickly as possible. At MoldTech, we advise homeowners to use fans for at least 24 hours to keep air moving.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
After MoldTech remediates a property, we often recommend that homeowners have a follow-up mold inspection several months later. A mold inspection coupled with regular maintenance and repair will reduce or eliminate the conditions causing an infestation and allow you to catch new growth before it takes hold. We also suggest:
- Cleaning with mold-resistant products and using mold-resistant paint when renovating.
- Monitor high-risk areas like the basement, attic, and crawlspace for leaks and humidity. Inexpensive humidity monitors and moisture alarms are available from the hardware store and can be placed in hard-to-reach areas.
When to Call a Professional
Mold is an easy problem to ignore, but professional help can make a big difference. If you notice the following signs, it’s time to give the MoldTech team a call:
- Recurring mold patches despite preventative efforts.
- An unexplained musty odour that lingers.
- Visible mold growth.
- Soft areas on walls, floors, or ceilings.
- Headaches, sneezing, or respiratory issues that appear only when you’re indoors.
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time for a more thorough mold inspection to determine whether mold growth has returned. Putting off black mold removal in Vaughan can have serious health and safety consequences for you and your family, and problems can sometimes need several visits to resolve fully. Mold shouldn’t be a chronic problem — let the MoldTech team help you with safe and effective black mold removal, advice, and remediation services. Call us or reach out online to learn more about having your home tested for mold.
