15 DIY Tricks That Are Secretly Causing Mold in Your Home
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With the boom of DIY culture and home improvement hacks and all the range, people are trying all sorts of tricks to keep their homes looking fresh and working efficiently. However, some popular tricks can backfire and provide the perfect breeding ground for mold.
So, let’s examine some common DIY mistakes that might be secretly causing mold in your home.
Sealing Windows With Inappropriate Materials
Using nonbreathable materials such as plastic to seal windows can trap moisture and cause condensation. In this damp environment, mold spores can grow. Instead, use weather stripping for better moisture balance. Proper ventilation and moisture control can avoid these.
Overly Thick Caulking in Wet Areas
Too much caulking around sinks, bathtubs, or any other wet area can trap water underneath. Over time, when the caulk cracks, this trapped moisture becomes a prime spot for mold to grow. Instead, use an even layer of waterproof caulking to coat surfaces.
Saving Energy by Blocking Air Vents
Covering unused air vents to save energy is popular, but ventilation can become restricted, and humidity can rise. Without proper circulation, moisture builds up in these enclosed spaces, forming mold. Instead, we should find a way to manage airflow without shutting down the ventilation altogether.
DIY Humidifiers Without Proper Monitoring
Using open containers of water around the house as a humidifier can increase indoor moisture levels drastically. It may temporarily alleviate dryness, but adding humidity will settle in walls and floors and create ideal conditions for mold growth. If you require a humidifier, buy one with a built-in monitor to be sure to control levels carefully.
Wallpapering Over Mold Prone Areas
In bathrooms, where moisture levels are higher than usual, or in basements, wallpaper can enclose moisture trapped behind it. The wallpaper can hide mold growth between the walls and spread over time. Mold-resistant paint is a safer choice for high-moisture areas.
Cleaning Mold on Porous Surfaces With Bleach
Bleach can kill surface mold on non porous surfaces, it cannot penetrate porous materials such as wood and drywall. They can keep mold roots down and grow underneath the surface, causing a recurring problem. These materials respond more effectively to specialized mold cleaners.
Using Unsealed Grout in Wet Areas
Sealing the grout first can help prevent moisture creeping in, that would otherwise create a mold-friendly environment between the tiles. Grouting tiles is a fun DIY project if you don’t seal the grout first, moisture can creep in. These spaces need to be sealed from water regularly to prevent water from penetrating them.
DIY Vinegar Solutions for Bathrooms
Vinegar is a natural cleaner, but if the ventilation in the bathroom is poor, too much vinegar can keep surfaces damp. Grout lines, tile cracks, and such tiny cracks will encourage mold as any remaining moisture. Clean the area, then dry the area thoroughly after cleaning for best results.
Insulating Without a Moisture Barrier
Insulation is a great way to trap condensation, but without a barrier it can also trap in the moisture that makes its way past. Moreover, the trapped humidity often causes walls, ceilings or basements to mold. Also check for insulation techniques, like moisture protection.
Homemade Cleaners That Leave Residue
DIY cleaners use natural ingredients, such as baking soda and essential oil, they leave behind a residue that holds moisture. Although these residues can build up over time and mold can thrive in small cracks and corners. The following is important: Rinse and dry surfaces after cleaning.
Indoor Gardens Without Drainage Consideration
According to the University of Birmingham, indoor plants can help improve air quality. However, too much water in the pot without proper drainage can cause mold. Mold loathes damp soil but likes a warm indoor temperature, making it an ideal environment. Drainage layers or saucers help regulate moisture levels.
Using Carpets in Damp Rooms
A popular DIY project is to put rugs or carpets in basements, bathrooms, or other humid areas, but these fabrics are easily absorbed with moisture. If the area is not ventilated properly, mold spores can grow in the carpet fibers. Instead, consider using moisture-resistant flooring.
DIY Shelf Liners in Cabinets
Shelf liners are a favorite for protecting cabinets, but non-breathable liners can trap moisture in dark, enclosed spaces. This is especially problematic for kitchens and bathrooms where the humidity is high. Use breathable liners or leave small spaces for ventilation.
Painting Over Damp Walls
If the walls aren’t fully dry, painting over them can trap moisture and it will turn into mold underneath the surface. Often overlooked in DIY wall prep projects, this crucial drying step is skipped — leaving mold lurking in the walls. Walls should always be dry before painting.
Storing Firewood Indoors
Storing firewood indoors is not a good idea. It keeps moisture in the firewood, which then releases that moisture into the air, encouraging mold growth. It also brings mold spores into your living space directly. Away from the home and near the structure, store firewood and bring it into the home only if necessary to reduce indoor humidity levels.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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