The spring and summer may be more common months for mold to appear in the home, but winter also has its own various mold problems. The presence of mold is a year-long issue because mold doesn’t disappear in winter. Homeowners should keep an eye on mold growth in their homes, even during the cold months. Here are a few common winter mold questions that homeowners have every year.
Does winter kill mold?
It would be optimistic to think that mold will simply die in the winter. Unlike other plants and organisms that can’t stand up against the cold weather, mold doesn’t wait for the perfect environment; rather, it will grow and spread at just about any time of year if everything is right.
When temperatures drop to below freezing, mold spores go dormant. This means that they don’t die; they are more in a hibernation state. Once the weather warms up again, they’ll start to grow and spread.
Does mold grow in call temperatures?
Mold is a Hardy Organism and not too picky about its environment. In fact, it only really requires three things: plenty of moisture, enough food, and the correct temperature. Different molds have different requirements for what is ideal for them. A few mold types even thrive in the winter months, and you’ll see more growth when the temperatures drop. However, most types of mold prefer a warmer environment, usually between 65 and 85 Degrees Fahrenheit, which, you’ll notice, is about the same temperature that humans prefer. Since most homes are set at around these temperatures, mold is a common problem. During the winter months, when humans crank up the heat, mold can still grow.
Why does winter mold appear on windows?
As we mentioned above, in order to grow, mold needs a lot of moisture. During the fall months, when there is generally a lot of precipitation, condensation can collect on the inside of the windows. If the air in the home is too moist, the water won’t evaporate and will sit and collect in window panes and door frames.
This moisture that is allowed to collect then becomes a perfect damp environment for mold growth. To keep winter window mode in check, keep an eye on the ambient humidity in the home, use ventilation in the warmer months, and manually dry the area with a towel if needed.
How can I prevent mold growth in the winter?
Because of the presence of a lot of moisture in winter, the cold months can prove to be encouraging mold growth. If you live in an area that is particularly susceptible to mold, here are a few tips to prevent mold from growing in the winter in the 1st place.
- Keep an eye on the humidity in the home. Ideally, homeowners should keep the level below 50%.
- Use mold and mildew cleaners that are specifically designed to get rid of these organisms. Pay specific attention to the bathroom and kitchen.
- Remove any damp clothing, carpet, or rugs. Check inside closets for any kind of moisture presence and remove any damaged clothing. Check the bathroom and kitchen rugs to make sure that water has not been collected.
- Don’t forget to use ventilation when you are cooking or showering. Removing steam is essential if you want to keep humidity low and mold growth to a minimum.
Do you have additional mold questions?
If you’ve detected mold in your home this winter and need some assistance, contact the professionals at Moldguys Restoration. With the right equipment, materials, and experience, they’ll be able to get your home mold free in no time.
