They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
And that’s very true of mold!
If you need Mold Removal or Mold Remediation, there’s no way around it, but once that’s done and over with, how do you prevent mold from becoming a problem again?
This inexpensive kit is worth buying, whether you buy it in pieces or all at once.
And while each of the example items we’ve included below are economical and effective, you can substitute any part of it for something similar that you like better.
The main point is just to have and use a kit like this, since it tells you things you won’t know without it — like how humid your home is — and it let’s you do things you wouldn’t otherwise be able to do — like remove moisture out of thin air!
This is the basics of mold prevention, and this is DIY Kit you need to be able to do it.
What’s in our DIY Mold Detection & Leak Prevention Kit?
Most homeowners in Florida should have a kit with these items on hand or in use.
They are:
- Hygrometers, or several, for each floor of your home. | Approx. $10.00.
- Dehumidifiers, or several, for each large room or bedroom. | Approx. $40.00 – $100.00.
- Leak Detectors, for each area of your home, especially while you’re away. | Approx. $40.00
Alright, let’s dive into each item below.
And remember, you don’t have to buy these specific brands. You just want one or more of each of the following, of whatever make and model—as long as it works.
Note: We aren’t advising the exact products below; we’re merely suggesting you have a product of its kind, of whatever brand.
A Hygrometer
This is the ThermoPro TP49 Digital Hygrometer. There are others on Amazon.com, pick any that’s rated highly. This one is currently $8.99. You should buy 1 per floor of your home, as well as consider whether you need one in any basements, attics, or bathrooms.
What it does: A hygrometer measures the humidity levels in the air, helping you to understand the moisture content in your home. You can place it in different areas of your home to get a good overall picture of the humidity levels. To read it, simply check the display for the current humidity level. High numbers on the hygrometer mean high humidity, which can lead to mold growth. Ideally, you want the humidity level to be between 30-50%, as this is considered a safe and comfortable range. It’s a good idea to check the hygrometer regularly, especially during humid or rainy periods, to keep an eye on any changes in humidity levels.
A Dehumidifier
This is Breezome Dehumidifier for a 500 Sq-ft Bedroom, or similar space. It’s what one of our employees uses—two of them set up in the master bedroom. You can use any dehumidifier that you like, or get much more technical about how many you need per room or per square foot. The main point, however, is that you should have one or more of them in order to reduce the moisture content in your air—because it alone is enough for mold growth.
What it does: A dehumidifier reduces the humidity levels in your home, which helps prevent mold growth and creates a more comfortable environment. Place it in areas of your home with high humidity, such as basements, bathrooms, or bedrooms. To use it, simply plug it in and set the desired humidity level—if it has that feature. Most are simply plug-and-play, and you empty the water tank when it gets near full. All of that water you’ll see slowly building up was pulled out of thin air—literally. You should check and empty the water collection container regularly, typically daily or as needed, especially during humid weather. If you plan to leave home for a long time—like a vacation—be sure you get a dehumidifier that attaches to a drain hose, which you can lead toward the outside of your home, or into a bathtub. You don’t want the dehumidifier’s tank overflowing while you’re away!
Leak Detectors
For about $40.00, you can set up leak detectors around your home that will alert you to overflowing toilets, or running water, leaking pipes, flood waters, etc., etc. This can help prevent not only mold while you’re away, but actual flooding as well. Shown below is what’s currently the #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Water Detectors & Alarms, but you can chose anything similar that you think will do the job.
What does it do: A water leak detector is a device designed to alert you to potential water leaks in your home. You should place it in areas prone to leaks, such as near water heaters, washing machines, or under sinks. To use it, simply install the detector and ensure it has a clear path to the floor or surface where leaks may occur. You should check the detector regularly to ensure it is functioning properly, and some models can alert you via wifi or email if a leak is detected, providing added peace of mind when you’re away from home.
