Even though you are living green and mold is considered ‘all-natural,’ mold can easily affect you and your family’s well-being, especially if you are often exposed to it in your home. Mold comes in an array of colors and can be recognized by its earthy and musty smell. Symptoms of mold exposure can range from mild stuffiness, asthma, to even depression. We will tell you the common sense tips to use to beat dangerous household mold, and keep it from growing in your home.

What mold requires food, water and habitat in order to survive. Here are the ways to fix the problem of mold growth.

Food: Mold needs food for nutrients to grow. Nutrients are natural and not inert materials like metal. Mold is unlikely to grow on condensation on a porcelain toilet, but when it drips on a wooden floor, mold growth will happen.

How to Fix It: Mold nutrition can be found in damp wood, paper, carpet, textiles, plastics, skin oils, carpentry materials such as wallboard, and foods such as vegetables and grains.

Water: Mold loves water. Fixing leaks and use dehumidifiers to eliminate condensation sources. If you commonly have damp basements, consider a floor seal to prevent condensation and mold growth.

How to Fix It: Mold’s source of moisture include leaky pipes, damp basements, floods, houseplants, humidity, condensation, leaks, poor ventilation, damp cloths, refrigerators, and spills.

Habitat: Mold spores can reproduce and survive in high humidity from anywhere between 40 to 130 degrees.

How to Fix It: Consider buying a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels in your home. Try to maintain 30 to 55% humidity to prevent mold growth.