Rainy Season Brings Mold to Florida Homes
As the rainy season begins in Florida, the potential for mold growth in your home strengthens. Though any season can bring mold, the rainy environment of summer makes it more prevalent.
Everyone who lives in Florida during the rainy season knows high humidity is common. The combination of rain and humidity creates an environment for mold spores to grow.
Today we’ll discuss how the rainy season brings mold to your Florida home and how to prevent it.
What Parts of Your Home Does Mold Threaten During Rainy Season?
Any area of your home where mold may grow is even more threatened during the rainy season. These areas include around your windows and any doors that may have leaks or excess moisture. Any leaks in your roof may also cause problems. When it rains, often that comes with wind or flooding. This results in water getting into your home through any cracks or areas that are not sealed. If you have any broken or leaking pipes, those leaks can also lead to mold growth. Your A/C unit may hold moisture and grow mold if it leaks or isn’t working correctly.
Poor ventilation in rooms that hold humidity can cause mold. These rooms include the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and attic or basement. These rooms often have lots of moisture. The extra humidity and heat from summer can enhance mold growth. The walls and furniture can both grow mold in these areas.
When doing your laundry, your clothes can grow mold if they are not completely dried. The humidity from the rainy season lingers and can cause damp clothing to grow mold. Similarly, your sheets and curtains can also grow mold. Your sweat or wet hair on a pillow after a shower brings moisture to your sheets. Curtains around windows may be damp from condensation or moisture from areas that are not sealed.
You may not think about outdoor furniture when it comes to mold growth, but it can be an issue. Outdoor furniture receives a lot of moisture during the rainy season. This can then cause mold growth. If you have outdoor cushions, those often retain a lot of water.
How Can You Prevent Mold During Rainy Season?
- Check your A/C to see if it is working correctly. A/C units that are not working correctly allow extra humidity into your home.
- Use a dehumidifier. It may be helpful to purchase and use a dehumidifier to remove some moisture and humidity from your home.
- Fix any leaks or broken seals. If you can prevent water from getting into your home, that will help prevent mold growth.
- Clean up any moisture and condensation. It’s vital to keep your home dry to prevent mold growth.
- Ensure every room in your home has proper ventilation. Ventilation is essential in preventing mold growth. You may need to turn on fans or open a window to allow for airflow when humidity is present.
- Use mold-resistant paint on your walls. If you have an area of your home that is subject to extra humidity, it may be a good idea to use mold-resistant paint. However, make sure the walls you paint do not already have mold.
- Move any furniture away from walls with moisture. If your walls do have moisture in them, it is best to keep furniture away from them. This helps prevent mold growth from spreading.
- Put a protective coating on outdoor furniture. It may help to put a protective coating on your outdoor furniture. You should also bring in any outdoor cushions when not in use.
- Wash your sheets, clothing, and other fabrics regularly. It is also important to completely dry them because any dampness may allow for mold spores.
How Can You Get Rid of Rainy Season Mold in Florida?
Your home may happen to grow mold due to the rainy season even after all the preventative steps. In this case, there are ways you can try and remove it yourself if it is a small area. It would be best if you make sure you are not allergic to mold or experiencing any symptoms. You can then use soapy water or detergent to remove the mold gently. Wear gloves and goggles as you do so to protect yourself. Make sure you dry the area when you are done to prevent mold from growing back.
If you have a more serious case of mold, it is best to call a professional for mold remediation.