If you’ve got a damp basement it can become a nursery for mold. Mold spores are ever-present in the air, but in moist conditions they flourish and may give your home’s lowest level a mold makeover. Here are five more ways to help keep moisture and mold out of your basement.

 

Running a Fan

Consider running a fan in your basement for one or two hours each day. This can ensure sufficient air circulation throughout an otherwise humid, damp space.

 

Using a HEPA Vacuum

Vacuum cleaners with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter can capture 99.97 percent of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size. This includes mold and mildew spores that could collect and gain a foothold in your basement, as well as dust, allergens, and other particles that are too small to spot with the naked eye.

 

Storing Items in Plastic Containers, Not Using Cardboard Boxes

When storing items in your basement steer clear of using cardboard boxes. Cardboard is very porous and can absorb and hold moisture, making it a tasty entree for mold spores. Opt for plastic storage containers instead, especially when stowing things like books, paper, fabric, or other similar items that may hold moisture and become sources of food for mold.

 

Not Growing Plants in Your Basement

If you grow plants inside of your basement keep a close watch for signs of mold growth on the surface of the soil. This can result from overwatering, poor drainage, or a buildup of dropped leaves, and can spread mold particles throughout your space. In many instances homeowners may find that there simply isn’t sufficient sunlight in their basements to accommodate live plants. But if you’re able to grow greenery inside of this lowest level of your home, think about limiting the number of plants you have, and be sure to monitor the soil for the presence of mold.

 

Using an Air Purifier

Air purifiers help pull mold particles from the air. If you discover a mold problem in your basement, a purifier, along with conventional treatments to remove surface mold, can help quell the spread of airborne spores throughout your space.

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