Staying in good health during the cold winter months in Michigan can be a challenge. While you can’t control the outside elements around you, there are ways for you to control what is happening in your home.
Controlling Mold and Mildew
The smelly elements that enter your home and basement are often mold and mildew. These are from the fungi family and love damp conditions. Dark spaces, such as your basement, that are prone to holding moisture or are poorly ventilated, are mold and mildew’s best friend.
There are serious side effects and health issues that come into play with mold and mildew. Here are some of the most common issues that are associated with the fungi dwellers:
- Allergies
- Headaches
- Asthma
- Sinus Problems and Sinus Congestion
- Irritation in the Throat or Eyes
- Respiratory Problems
How can you make sure your family is straying away from these harmful elements? Follow this checklist to make sure you’re keeping the mold and mildew away!
- Let the air in your home flow – This means making sure your house is properly ventilated. Don’t keep windows shut on sunny warm days, and run your fans to create cross ventilation across the home. In Michigan, it isn’t often that we have extremely humid weather, but even a little can cause dampness in your home. The next time you think it may be too stuffy, let the air in!
- Install a dehumidifier – Often used for basements, purchasing a dehumidifier will allow you to keep the additional moisture in your home out. Basements are prone to moisture, so Tom’s Basement Waterproofing recommends a dehumidifier for any home.
- Keep the carpets clean – This doesn’t mean just vacuum regularly, but get your carpets clean professionally, or with a at-home steam cleaner. Mold and buildup can start living in your fibers, so make sure they don’t stick around too long!
- Launder your furniture – Any couches, pillows, cushions, or items in your home that are full of fabric, should be given a good clean every once in a while. Mold and mildew can start to create spores within the fibers, and will quickly add up if the air becomes too humid. Keep your upholstery cleaned and vacuumed regularly to avoid these issues.
- Ventilate your bathroom – Hot showers lead to steam, which then leads to humidity and moisture. This is why your bathrooms can create the most humidity in your home. Make sure your bathroom is kept as dry as possible and is properly ventilated. Don’t have a fan for your bathroom? Get one installed and keep the mold away!