Leaky pipes, spring flooding and power outages are just a few of the unfortunate things that can take a toll on businesses and homes alike. The excessive heat, water damage and humidity that come hand in hand with these disasters work to make the ideal environment for mildew and mold to grow. Carpets and rugs are especially susceptible to these issues because the materials they are made from are absorbent. If your business or home has experienced either extreme heat or water damage recently, you should take the following steps to stop mildew and mold before it gets started.
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- Begin cleaning up immediately. It doesn’t matter if it is major water damage or just a small leak, getting the cleanup process started as soon as possible is critical. Once mildew or mold has begun to form, it can spread very quickly and be harder to get rid of.
- Let fresh air and sunlight in. Mildew and mold thrive in areas that are damp and dark. Fresh air and sunlight are the two key things that will help you combat the potential growth of mold. Open the curtains and windows in order to ensure that your home gets all of the proper light it needs and maybe a breeze as well. Let your rugs hang outside right in direct sunlight until they get totally dried out.
- Use a dehumidifier. Mildew and mold need moisture for them to grow and spread. If you use a dehumidifier, you will be able to get any excess moisture from the environment in your home and return it to a humidity level that is safe. This safe level is typically 30% – 50%.
- Keep the temps down. Heat works with moisture when it comes to the growth of mold and mildew. Make sure your thermostat is set to below 80 degrees in order to ensure that your home stays cool and so that it will be difficult for mildew and mold to form.
Extreme heat and water damage can actually cause quite a few issues in a home or business. If you take the preceding steps, an infestation of mold and/or mildew does not have to be one of the issues that you will have to deal with.
If you have area rugs that are made from natural fibers, it is very important to take these steps in order to protect them from being damaged.
July 21, 2019
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