To stop mold, the key approach is to control moisture and improve ventilation in your home. Mold grows in damp, dark, and poorly ventilated areas, so reducing humidity, quickly drying wet areas, and allowing fresh air flow are essential. Use extractor fans when cooking or showering, regularly clean wet surfaces, avoid drying clothes indoors if possible, and keep indoor humidity below 60%. Also, wipe condensation off windows and walls, open windows daily when possible, and maintain a warm, consistent temperature in your home. Cleaning mold promptly with a mixture of 20% water and 80% white vinegar helps prevent regrowth; avoid bleach, as it only whitens mold spores rather than killing them.
Additional tips include fixing leaks, using dehumidifiers, keeping carpets dry or removing them in damp areas, and removing moldy items or getting soft furnishings professionally cleaned if affected. Mold cleanup should be done quickly to minimize damage, and larger mold problems may require professional help. For long-term prevention, regular maintenance of gutters, proper drainage around your home, venting moisture-producing appliances outside, and using mold-resistant building materials during renovations are also beneficial.
