- 1). Keep the interior of your home dry. This can prove challenging if you live in a very humid environment, but with the right steps, you can maintain a dry home even in the most tropical environments. Seal any cracks with commercial sealant, replace faulty roof shingles and ensure total insulation to your home. Wipe down moist windows in the morning, run your air conditioner on humid days and use a dehumidifier to dry out damp rooms. When the weather is dry, open doors and windows to circulate the air.
- 2). Dry every wet surface after using it. Wipe down sinks and countertops after cooking, wipe down shower tiles after showering, dry all laundry completely before putting it away (fabrics should never remain damp) and clean up spills as soon as you notice them.
- 3). Dust and clean your furniture, countertops, floors, sinks and other surfaces weekly to prevent dirt from accumulating. Mold and mildew spores live within dust particles, and become active when exposed to moisture. By minimizing dirt and dust, you also minimize your potential for mold contamination.
- 4). Sprinkle baking soda along your carpet before vacuuming. Due to their thick, absorbent fibers, carpets are especially vulnerable to mold. You can prevent mold by sprinkling baking soda approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour before vacuuming. Baking soda absorbs liquid and fights mold.
- 5). Pour a mold-fighting liquid into a spray bottle and keep it on hand. You can use chlorine bleach (diluted with three parts water), white vinegar (undiluted), rubbing alcohol (diluted with one part water) or hydrogen peroxide (diluted with two parts water). Whenever you notice a small accumulation of mold or mildew, spray it with your liquid solution and wipe with a soft sponge or cloth. If the mold appears on grout, use a toothbrush (rather than a sponge). This will prevent mold from spreading.
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