One of the greatest breeding grounds for mold in your home is moisture that is present. This is the very first thing that has to be given attention. When in your home, if your nose picks up a damp odor, that is a good indication that mold may be present. Another indicator are stains on the interior ceiling or walls from leaks.

The best time to catch mold is at it earliest stages when it is just starting to set in. A simple way to clean early signs of mold is to use a mixture of bleach and water. You will also want to detect where the moisture is getting into your home. Leaks and other problems have to be repaired to prevent further growht from accumulating. If the mold has gotten onto cloth or other material, it may have to be professionally cleaned. If you have any doubts about its safety, it is better to get rid of the item and replace it.

If you have extensive mold problems, you may want to look to your homeowner’s insurance to help pay for the expense of cleanup. Whether or not they will honor your claim depends the source of the mold problem. Flooding, storms or plumbing issues are events that are usually covered under a policy. But, if the mold is accumulating due to general maintenance issues there may be no coverage. It is wise to check with your insurer about limitations on this kind of issue.

The best way to keep mold out of your home is to take steps to stop it from getting there in the first place. Below is advice offered to help keep it out:

– Basements and bathrooms are great places for moisture to accumulate. For flooring, use tile or other
easy to clean surfaces. Carpeting is a perfect breeding ground for mold to settle in.

- Taking a walk around your home and inspecting your plumbing can help you find leaks early on. Routine
maintenance can keep moisture out of warm, dark areas where mold loves to grow.

- Keeping your home clean can help to prevent mold. Cleaners such as bleach and vinegar can help to keep the
bacteria in check that helps mold get started.

- Your roof is another potential source of leaks. After storms, high winds or just periodically you should look
over it to make sure that none have occurred.

- If you have a leak in your basement, do not allow water to be left for long periods of time. The area should be
dried and cleaned as soon as possible.

- If you have carpeting that has become sodden, it should be dried thoroughly and quickly. If you are not able
to do so, remove the carpet immediately. This is another key place for mold to accumulate.

- Keeping the humidity in your home at a lower level can help to combat mold. For example, an exhaust fan
in a high moisture environment can help to reduce it quickly and efficiently.