Does Fresh Air help with Mold?
Mold loves warm, humid areas, like bathrooms or a damp basement. Let in fresh air and sunlight to help kill mold. Open doors and windows to promote air circulation, especially after showering or while cooking. Keep clothes and other fabrics dry.It is also very important that there is adequate ventilation in the room. Open a window or door so the mold spores can escape, instead of staying locked in your home.
Why Opening Windows Can Help You Control Mold
Mold is a fungus that consists of microscopic spores. These spores exist pretty much everywhere and are usually harmless.
Spores become problematic when they land on a damp spot in your home. The moisture allows them to grow and multiply.
We know that spores thrive in warm, damp environments. You’ll need to reduce the amount of moisture in your home to prevent mold growth.
Opening windows can be a great way to reduce moisture (as long as the humidity outside is below 60%). It draws out excess water, making it difficult for spores to flourish.
Opening windows is particularly effective in kitchens and bathrooms. These rooms are prone to mold growth because of excess moisture. When you boil a pot of water or take a shower, water droplets condensate and cling to your walls. Your A/C removes much of the moisture but opening your windows will help pick up some of the slack.
When Is Opening Your Windows Not Helpful To Reduce Mold?
As much as opening your windows can prove helpful, you should know that it isn’t always a go-to method. There are cases whereby it doesn’t work, like:
When the relative humidity outdoors is greater than 60%
Opening your windows when it’s humid outside will only bring in more moisture. You will need to opt for other ways to control your humidity indoors, which will be discussed later in this post.
When it’s raining outside
If you open your windows when it’s raining outside, you’ll only be giving room to more moisture into your property.
When you’re experiencing a severe case of mold
Opening your windows can be effective when you’re dealing with minor cases of mold. But if you’re experiencing a severe case, this method might not work so well. In essence, before going ahead to open your windows, first, be sure if it’s a minor or severe case of mold you’re dealing with. And if it’s a minor case, make sure the humidity outside is low to allow moisture to flow out properly.
