Most home and condo owners want to maintain a clean home that is as germ-free as possible. While you may perform routine cleaning chores like vacuuming, dusting and mopping your floors on a regular basis, you may not realize that mold and mildew can develop and grow behind the scenes. In many cases by the time a mold infestation is discovered, it can cost hundreds, thousands or in some cases even tens of thousands of dollars to remediate. Serious cases of mold infestation are particularly prominent in the south east states like Florida where the weather can be hot and humid for much of the year and water damage is a frequent occurrence. The best way to avoid an expensive mold repair is to have an ongoing home program for the prevention of mold and mildew.

Proper cleaning and sanitization of your bathrooms

Mold and mildew are both products of excess moisture and water damage. Your bathrooms and kitchen are the places where most of the water in your home will be found. Bathrooms in particular generate huge amounts of moisture since every time you take a hot shower steam is created which is pure moisture. Proper bathroom maintenance and sanitization should prevent mold and mildew from forming as a result of bathroom moisture or water damage. Tips for keeping your bathroom clean and sanitized are as follows:

1. Always dry your walls, floors and tub / shower after bathing.

• Moisture and small puddles that are left on your tub and shower door can cause water damage or quickly result in mildew growth.

2. Open bathroom door after showering.

• Steam will usually dry quickly if the bathroom door is open and the air conditioning thermostat is set at 81 degrees or cooler.

3. Use a cleaning solution containing bleach.

• Bleach kills mold and mildew on contact, so sanitize your bathroom by using a cleaning solution containing bleach at least once per month.

4. Be on constant lookout for any dark fungal spots on tile or grout.

•  If you do find dark spots immediately clean with bleach or an over the counter product that eliminates mildew, mold and water damage.

Proper cleaning of your air conditioning and ducts

Another spot in your home or condo that can be particularly conducive to the formation and growth of mold and mildew are your air conditioning components and ducts. By running your air conditioner and setting your thermostat to 81 degrees or less, you are already fighting the growth on fungus in your home. Your air conditioner cools your home by removing the hot humid air and replacing it with cooler dehumidified air. However; in doing its job, an air conditioning system also creates moisture and can be the cause of mold and mildew growing near the condenser and in the ducts or in extreme cases can cause water damage. Tips for preventing AC System related mold and mildew are as follows:

1. Change your filter on a regular basis.

• A clean filter traps dust, pollen, and other potential air contaminants that can cause mildew to build in ducts.

2. Have an annual preventative maintenance / tune up performed on your AC system by a    licensed AC technician.

3. Have your ducts cleaned and sanitized at least once every 3 – 4 years.

• This will ensure that any potential dangerous mold or mildew is removed before it has a chance to build and cause any damage.

By performing these simple cleaning and sanitization tips, you will be able to maintain a safe and clean environment for you and your family. You should also be able to avoid any costly repairs and prove the age old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Author Bio: Jay Carson is the owner of Certified Priority Restoration, a water damage restoration company based in Broward and Palm Beach County, Florida that offers water and mold removal Services to homeowners in the surrounding areas.