Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp environments. It reproduces by releasing spores into the air, which can then settle on surfaces and grow under the right conditions. These conditions typically include moisture, warmth, and organic material to feed on.

When water damage occurs in your home, it creates all these conditions. This generates the perfect breeding ground for mold, setting the stage for potential infestation.

The key to preventing mold growth is to act fast when water damage occurs. The longer water sits in your home, the greater the chances of mold taking hold. That's why it's a must for you to begin the clean-up process as soon as possible after a water-related incident.

The Aloair Mold Prevention Combo Pack is specially designed to expedite the clean-up process.

1. Know Where to Look for Mold

After a storm or any water-related incident, you should inspect your home for signs of mold or leftover moisture. Mold can start growing in just 24 to 48 hours, so it's important to act fast.

Where should you check? Mold loves places that are damp, warm (usually 80°F or higher), and have organic material to feed on. Here are some common spots in your home where mold might hide:

• Behind drywall or wallpaper
• Inside walls
• Underneath carpet or carpet padding
• On home insulation
• Between siding panels
• In framing struts
• Around door trim

Check any area where water might have seeped, splashed, or pooled. It's better to be thorough and deal with moisture immediately than to find mold growing weeks later. Catching these issues early can save you a lot of trouble and expense down the line.

2. Dispose of Waterlogged Materials

Once you've identified areas where moisture might be hiding, the next step in preventing mold is to remove and dispose of any waterlogged materials. You need to take out items like towels, floorboards, carpets, and other soaked materials and discard them immediately. Don’t allow them to remain inside your home or to accumulate in your backyard.

Mold can thrive both indoors and outdoors. The best way to ensure it doesn't become a health hazard for you, your family, or your pets is to dispose of these items properly. It's always safer to eliminate potential risks than to deal with the consequences later.

3. Clean All Surfaces

We're talking everything here–walls, floors, cabinets, countertops, tables, appliances, light fixtures, and windows. Give them all a good scrub-down. Start by sanitizing hard surfaces like baseboards and walls to discourage mold growth. Use a standard disinfecting cleaner for nonporous surfaces. For porous materials or items that have been saturated, apply a mold prevention solution such as Concrobium after they've dried.

For soft stuff like fabrics, try an antimicrobial cleaner or straight-up white vinegar. They'll help keep mold from camping in your cozy blankets and curtains.

4. Ventilate Humid Areas to Prevent Mold

After disposing of waterlogged materials, the next crucial step is to ventilate any humid areas in your home. Proper ventilation can significantly reduce moisture levels and help prevent mold growth. Focus on areas prone to high humidity, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and basements. Open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate throughout your home. Use fans strategically to enhance airflow and help dry out damp areas more quickly.

Our Mold Prevention Combo Pack can be particularly effective here. The pack includes:
Dehumidifiers: e.g.: Storm DP (single-voltage); Storm Pro; Storm Ultra; Storm Elite; Storm LGR Extreme Wi-Fi; Storm SLGR 1250X Wi-Fi; and LGR 850
Air movers e.g. Zeus 900; Zeus Extreme;
Scrubber: e.g.:CleanShield HEPA 550; Pro770; and Max 770;

Air movers are highly effective at increasing air circulation and drying wet areas quickly. They can move large volumes of air rapidly, helping to dry out affected areas more efficiently.

Air scrubbers, also included in our combo pack, help clean the air by removing airborne particles, including mold spores. This improves air quality and reduces the chances of mold growth by keeping the air clean and dry.

5. Use a Dehumidifier for Extra Drying Action

If humidity levels remain high, use the dehumidifier in the combo pack to dry affected areas, especially highly humid rooms like bathrooms and basements. A dehumidifier provides better drying results and helps keep the humidity in your home low, particularly on hot summer days.

Note: When ventilating your home, turn off your air conditioning or heating system to avoid wasting energy and to prevent accidentally increasing indoor humidity. Proper ventilation is key to maintaining a dry, mold-free environment.