• Repair leaks to stop mold growth.
  
  Water coming from leaks in plumbing, roofs or through cracks in the foundation or basement walls can cause mold to grow. Inspect any areas of dampness as soon as possible to determine the source of the leak and repair the leak right away.

• Inspect your home for existing mold growth.
  
  Mold typically grows where there is a source of moisture, such as leaks in plumbing or roof, cracks in basement floors or walls. Other common places for mold growth are rooms where water may be present, such as laundry rooms, bathrooms and kitchens, or rooms without good air circulation, such as bedrooms, bathrooms and closets. Mold can grow in piles of laundry, wet carpets and damp walls. Mold can also grow around window frames where moisture accumulates when cold air hits warm windows.

• Clean existing mold well.
  
  If you find patches of mold anywhere in your home, it is important to kill and clean it up quickly to prevent further growth. Remember to stop the source of moisture as well, or the mold could return.
  
  Wearing gloves and a face mask, scrub mold off of non-porous surfaces with a stiff brush, a non-ammonia detergent and hot water. A dilute solution of 1 part household chlorine bleach to 10 parts water can be used to kill mold and mold spores, but is not necessary. (Take care to ventilate when using bleach.) Dry completely.
  
  Absorbent materials that become moldy should be replaced. Drying and cleaning the surfaces does nothing to eliminate mold spores that have penetrated inside the item.
  
  Do not vacuum moldy carpets or upholstery! Vacuuming disperses mold spores and will not remove them all anyway.
  
  Anyone with asthma or other breathing conditions should not do the cleaning and should be kept away from the area until after the area has dried.

• Maintain indoor humidity between 30-50%.
  
  Moisture-loving mold loves humidity, as do dust mites and other microbes. So measure humidity by using a hygrometer, which can be purchased at hardware stores. And if the humidity rises take measures to keep it down.
  
  Vent clothes dryers to the outside. They put out a lot of moisture, which can quickly build up indoors if not properly vented.

• Keep air flowing.
  
  Moisture as well as chemicals accumulate in air-tight rooms. Use exhaust fans or open windows in kitchens and bathrooms when showering, cooking, using the dishwasher, cleaning and working with art and hobby supplies. Ventilation also helps create Healthier Indoor Air.

• Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to reduce moisture in the air.
  
  When the humidity indoors rises to above 50% and ventilation doesn't reduce moisture levels sufficiently, both mold and dust mite levels will rise, especially during the summer. Dehumidifiers and air conditioners can quickly reduce moisture in the air.
  
  Before you begin to use your air conditioner every year, inspect it for mold and have coils cleaned as needed. Otherwise, your air conditioner may spew mold spores into your home. Remember to empty drip pans regularly as well so mold doesn't build up there either.

• Keep the doors between rooms and closets open.
  
  Airtight rooms and closets trap moisture, increasing the chances that mold and dust mites will grow. Keep doors open to keep air circulating.

• Do not store dirty or damp laundry in closed closets.
  
  Dirty or damp laundry can quickly become moldy or mildewy, especially in humid climates. It can also attract moths.

• Do not store firewood indoors.
  
  Wood often has mold spores on it. Try to keep it outdoors, in a covered area, until you are ready to use it.

• Eliminate piles of leaves and decaying debris in your yard, especially near your house.
  
  Mold naturally occurs in disintegrating leaves and plant material. If near your house, any disturbance could bring them indoors. Locate compost piles away from the home as well.

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