Laundry Room Mould Prevention Guidelines

Preventing mould in the laundry room is all about keeping it dry and clean. As moisture and a food source (like dirt or cellulose) are essential to mould formation, these “ingredients” must be kept at a minimum. Here are more tips on preventing mould in the laundry room.

How to prevent mould in the laundry room

• Doing laundry frequently — The dirt or food on clothes can provide a food source for mould. Moreover, piles of laundry can attract humidity and lead to mould growth. Dirty laundry must not be stacked up for a long time.
• Drying washed clothes immediately — Damp clothes can become musty and spread mould spores into the laundry room. Thus, clothes should be removed from the washing machine as soon as a cycle is over. Also, it’s best to avoid storing them in plastic bags.
• Maintaining the washer — The machine should be as dry as possible and with the lid open when not in use. Also, property owners should check for leaks coming from the washer hoses and ensure they are properly attached. If the washer overflows, here’s how to handle washing machine overflows.
• Maintaining the dryer — Lint should be removed frequently to allow moisture to escape through the vent unobstructed. Removing lint also helps prevent the risk of dryer fires. In addition, the dryer ventilation must be properly directed to the outside.
• Cleaning appliances regularly — The washer, dryer, and other machines also need regular cleaning. Homeowners should, therefore, follow the cleaning instructions in the manufacturer’s guide, and also not allow moisture, debris, and grime build up on the appliances.
• Using a dehumidifier in the laundry room — This device helps control the amount of moisture in the air. For a mould-free environment, humidity levels should be between 30 and 50 percent. It’s important to note that dehumidifiers help prevent mould but they don’t actually kill it.
• Ventilating the laundry room — The simplest way to ventilate the laundry room is to open windows and doors when the washer and dryer are running. Using a powered fan also helps.
• Placing desiccants in the laundry room — Silica gel packets that can be found in packages come in handy not just for keeping products dry. They can also be placed in laundry room areas that are prone to mould growth.
• If the laundry room is in the basement, the temperature and moisture in the basement must be controlled. Basements are notorious for mould growth as leaks are frequent in this area.

For laundry room mould removal, PuroClean has the solution

A professional should remove mould in the laundry room immediately. The longer the mould sits, the bigger the health risks and structural damages will be. Our PuroClean offices stand ready to provide professional mould cleanup services for any property affected by mould growth.