With temperatures warming up, the environment is becoming more hospitable for mold and mildew growth. Add moisture — like in outdoor areas, bathrooms, and kitchen — and you have a greater chance of dealing with these hard-to-clean stains that can cause health issues. Properly preventing and cleaning mold and mildew is even more important this time of year.

Preventing Mold and Mildew

Even though you can’t control the warm, humid temperatures outdoors, you can help prevent it from causing mold and mildew in and around your home. The key to preventing mold is controlling moisture. Here are some of the areas to focus on indoors and out:

• Plumbing. Fix any leaks quickly and monitor the area to help ensure it dries within 48 hours.
• Windows. If you notice any condensation, repair the seals.
• Gutters. Clean and repair regularly to prevent debris buildup and poor drainage.
• Foundations. The ground should slope away from structures to prevent water from collecting and seeping into the walls.
• Air Conditioners. Make sure drip pans and drain lines are clean and clear.

Getting moisture under control also means regulating the humidity inside your home. If you see signs of moisture on the windows, walls, or pipes and there’s no leak, it could be a humidity issue. There are meters that help measure levels in the room. Keeping relative humidity low can help prevent mold and mildew growth, especially in steamy rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.

How to Help Reduce Humidity

Nature has a way of altering outdoor humidity, especially in the summer. But there are ways to help keep it from impacting indoor areas.

• Bathrooms and appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers and stoves, should be vented to the outdoors.
• Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering.
• Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking or running the dishwasher.
• Use dehumidifiers in basements and other highly humid areas.
• Increase ventilation by opening doors and/or windows.
• Insulate cold surfaces, such as water pipes.

Maintaining indoor humidity at about 50% can help prevent adding mold- and mildew-causing moisture to the area.

Properly Cleaning Mold and Mildew

If you notice mildewy discoloration in crevices, grout, and other areas, it’s important to clean these areas with extra care.

• Ventilate indoor areas while cleaning.
• Wear protective masks and gloves to avoid inhaling spores or touching harsh chemical cleaners.
• Read and follow product labels to ensure it can be used on the specific surface.
• Thoroughly wash any fabrics in the area or worn while cleaning.
• Make sure areas completely dry before placing anything back on the surface.

Controlling mold and mildew not only makes the area look and feel cleaner, but it can also help prevent health issues, such as allergies. Monitoring moisture and humidity will go a long way to help preventing mold and mildew growth during warmer months and beyond.