Allergy-Proofing: Eliminating Mold & Mildew

What do the bathroom, the kitchen, and basement all have in common? Mold & mildew. Here's how to get rid of it.

In the Bathroom

Scrub around the faucet on the sink and bath
Avoid hanging wallpaper in the bathroom. The moisture and humidity provide the perfect opportunity for mold to grow, unseen, beneath the wallpaper
Never install wall-to-wall carpeting in a bathroom--it harbors mold and mildew
Install an exhaust fan to draw out moisture, this is especially necessary if your bathroom is windowless
Use a sponge or squeegee after showering to remove excess water from the shower tiles or flat tub surfaces. Standing water allows mildew to form
Clean your bathroom weekly, using anti-mildew cleaners to help eliminate or prevent build up. Clean shower curtain edges, where mold and mildew tend to grow
Replace mildewed shower curtains and bathmats. Allow them to dry thoroughly to prevent mildew growth

In the Kitchen

Don't leave dishes sitting in the sink, and run your dishwasher daily
Scrub around the faucet area, and always wipe up wet or damp surfaces to discourage mildew growth
Check the drip pan for your fridge and mop up any spill or moisture that may have collected in the bottom of your fridge
Steam clean kitchen floors regularly
Clean the garbage and recycle bins on a regular basis, using diluted bleach and hot water or anti-mildew products

In the Basement

If your basement smells damp, install a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air
Do not put carpeting down on a cement floor. Use linoleum or laminate flooring. Carpeting on top of cold concrete will allow moisture to condense, which can lead to mold growth
Keep children's toys in airtight containers and sanitize them regularly
Watch out for leaks via windows or cracks in your foundation
Use air tight plastic bins and containers for storing clothing, books, and other memorabilia that can collect dust, or become moldy

Jessica Brown

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