Molds thrive on moisture, and a damp basement can become a mold incubator that feeds airborne spores and turns the lowest level of your home into a mold motel. Consider these four ways to help keep moisture and mold out of your basement.
Frequently Opening Basement Windows and Doors, Using a Dehumidifier
If you seldom open the windows in your basement, you’re keeping fresh air from circulating throughout the space. Making a habit of regularly opening your basement windows, and leaving interior doors to the basement ajar, are quick and easy ways to ensure air circulation to help reduce moisture and dampness and the likelihood of mold development on this lowest level of your home. Another option to reduce moisture is to add a dehumidifier to your space, especially if you live in a climate that’s very humid.
Insulating Your Basement Pipes
Take some time to check any exposed basement pipes for leaks and give them the necessary attention. If you simply find condensation on your pipes, which can form as a result of the difference between the temperature of the air and the pipes, you can have the pipes insulated by wrapping them with pipe sleeves, fiberglass, or another type of insulation.
Drying Your Clothes Outdoors
If your laundry room is located in your basement, and you frequently hang-dry a large amount of items indoors, consider hanging them outdoors to help limit indoor moisture. If you do hang clothes indoors, consider running a dehumidifier while doing so.
Taking Humidity Measurements
An effective way to help keep moisture out of your basement is to monitor its humidity level using a hygrometer, which is a device that measures the amount of water vapor (humidity) in the air. Use it regularly to keep track of your basement’s humidity, which should ideally be below 60 percent. Based on the measured results in your space you may need to identify sources of excess moisture.
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