How to Remove and Prevent Mold at the Start of Winter
While mold is a concern year-round, winter conditions can help contribute to its growth. Knowing the warning signs and acting early can help keep your home safe and mold-free. In this guide, we will cover what mold is, how to prevent it, and practical steps you can take to remove it.
Key Takeaways
- Winter conditions can increase the risk of indoor mold growth.
- Early inspection and moisture control are key to prevention.
- Treat mold early and use the appropriate cleaning methods.
- Effective mold control requires both killing mold and limiting its chances to grow.
- When in doubt, contact a professional.
What Mold Is and How the Weather Affects It
Mold is a common type of fungus that thrives in moisture and warmth. While spores are typically always present in the home, the key is preventing the conditions that allow the mold to grow.
Winter creates a particularly good environment for growth due to the increased humidity indoors, condensation on cold surfaces, and poor ventilation.
Common Areas to Inspect
Protect your home by doing routine inspections in areas that are exposed to the most moisture with low ventilation; this is where mold will thrive. Check these hot spots at the beginning of winter for the best chance to prevent any growth:
- Bathrooms – Exposed to constant moisture with humidity that lingers.
- Basements – Often poorly ventilated with several opportunities for excess moisture from leaky pipes to condensation.
- Window Frames & Sills – Temperature differences from inside to outside of the home causes condensation, creating unwanted moisture.
- Kitchens – Everyday activities like boiling water or running the dishwasher can introduce a lot of moisture.
- Outdoor Areas – The exterior of your home is exposed to the elements and can easily trap excess water that supports mold growth.
Removing Mold from Inside (and Outside) the Home
Mold isn’t just unsightly; it can have serious negative effects on your health and cause damage to the surfaces of your home. If you suspect mold is present, it’s important to act quickly.
Safety First
When cleaning mold, use personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect yourself and limit the spread of spores. Here’s what to wear and why:
- Masks – Reduce the inhalation of mold by wearing a mask or respirator.
- Gloves – Mold spores travel easily; use gloves to cover your hands and as much of your arms as possible.
- Goggles – Protect your eyes from any irritation with the proper goggles.
Pro Tip: Once you’ve finished the cleaning process, carefully discard or clean any contaminated tools used to prevent spores from spreading.
How to Remove Mold
Step 1: Remove the surface layer of mold and clean
- Begin by scrubbing the surface to remove any mold growth or residue.
- For more delicate surfaces such as upholstery or painted surfaces, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap loose spores.
Step 2: Treat the mold
- We recommend using a cleaner that is fungicidal to effectively kill mold on hard, non-porous surfaces.
- When cleaning, do not oversaturate the surface with the product. Excess moisture could end up hurting more than helping.
- Make sure the treated area dries completely. If possible, use a fan or a dehumidifier if the area isn’t well ventilated.
While there are common household products that can be used on mold, we encourage the use of a dedicated product to ensure it is properly treated the first time. Remember to never mix chemicals, as they could create potentially dangerous gases.
Step 3: Remove any mold stains
- Once cleaned and dry, you can remove the stains left behind. We recommend Zep Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover. The bleach-based formula is perfect for surfaces inside and outside of the home.
- It’s important to highlight that a product designed to remove mold stains will not kill the mold; this must be done beforehand.
Pro Tip: For more delicate surfaces, use Zep Foaming Wall Cleaner to remove mold stains.
Step 4: Remain vigilant
- Continue to monitor the treated area to see if the mold reappears.
- If mold returns, treat the area quickly or consider contacting a professional.
Prevention is the Best Protection
Simply treating the affected area will not keep mold away if you don’t also correct the conditions in the home. Here are a few common household problems that could encourage mold growth and how to fix them:
- Eliminate excess moisture, whether it is from a leaky pipe or broken seal.
- Ensure there is proper ventilation throughout the home, especially in high-moisture areas.
- Reduce humidity indoors by promoting airflow and managing moisture levels.
When to Contact a Professional
In some cases, it may be necessary to bring in a professional to assist in identifying and removing mold. Consider these signs to contact a professional:
- If mold continues to return after treatment.
- There are large areas of visible growth.
- You experience ongoing symptoms that could be caused by mold exposure.
Mold is a common household issue, but it doesn’t have to become a bigger problem. By understanding what causes mold, addressing moisture early, and using the right products for each step of the cleaning process, you can reduce the risk of growth throughout the winter. Explore our full line of cleaning products on Zep.com and find a solution for any mess.
- Zep Inc.
