Transcript Controlling Moisture - Texas A&M University

Controlling Moisture
Steps to a Healthy Home
Series
Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all
people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.
The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County
Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Problems Associated with Moisture
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Too much moisture can cause mold and
mildew.
Some people are sensitive to mold.
Too little moisture can cause respiratory
problems.
Adding moisture must be monitored.
The Effects of Moisture in the Air
Relative Humidity
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Monitor the relative humidity in your home.
If the humidity is high, don’t keep a lot of house plants.
Cut down on steam in the bathroom. Run a fan that is
vented to the outside, or open a window.
Run a fan vented to the outside when cooking.
If you have a dryer, make sure it is vented to the
outside – not to the crawl space, interior room, or attic.
Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to
dry out damp areas.
Adding Moisture
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If the relative humidity is very low < 20%, you
can face different issues in your home.
Most households can increase the humidity
level through daily activities (cooking,
cleaning, showering, etc.).
Some households may need to use a
humidifier.
Tips for Controlling Humidity
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Follow the directions when using a
humidifier.
With an air conditioner, use the “auto fan”
setting.
Circulate air in problem areas.
Monitor the relative humidity.
To Avoid Mold Growth
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Keep surfaces clean and dry.
Wipe up spills and overflows right away.
Store clothes and towels clean and dry.
Don’t leave water in drip pans, basements, and air
conditioners.
Wipe down shower walls with a squeegee or towel
after bathing or showering.
To Avoid Mold Growth
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Prevent moisture from collecting on windows.
– Use storm windows.
– Seal the windows with a plastic film.
– Keep the relative humidity 30-40% in winter time.
Repair plumbing leaks.
Discard carpeting, plaster board, insulation, or other
materials that have been wet for more than 24 hours.
To Avoid Mold Growth
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Use downspouts and gutters.
Slope the soil and landscape away from your
house’s foundation.
Repair leaking roofs, walls, doors, and
windows.
Cover basement window wells if they leak.
Tracking Down Mold & Mildew
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Anywhere there is moisture or water, mold
can grow.
Check under sinks, on the floor at the base of
the shower or tub, and on window seals.
Check under and around appliances.
Tracking Down Mold & Mildew
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Mold/mildew also grow on “wet” appliances
— like air conditioners, dehumidifiers
(appliances that remove moisture from the
air), and humidifiers (appliances that add
moisture to the air).
Follow manufacturer’s instructions to change
filters and clean appliances regularly.
Controlling Moisture
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Some sources of moisture are hard to detect.
Get the help of a professional if you suspect
excessive moisture and you can not locate
the cause.
Clean Up
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To clean up areas of mold greater than 15
square feet, hire a professional to get rid of it.
(See Extension publication ER027 – Selecting
Mold Remediation Contractors at
https://agrilifebookstore.org/.)
Clean up mold with a mixture of laundry
detergent, dishwashing soap or TSP
(trisodium phosphate), and water.
After mold is cleaned off, use a mixture of
chlorine bleach and water to disinfect.
Clean Up
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Personal protection is recommended if you
clean up the mold yourself. Use a mask rated
N-95, splash goggles, and rubber gloves.
After cleaning mold, using a high efficiency
(HEPA) vacuum or air cleaner may help to
get rid of mold spores in the air.
Controlling Moisture → Healthier Home
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Benefits people with asthma or allergies
Benefits small children, people with longterm illness, and older people