11 Effective ways to reduce indoor mold allergy symptoms

Your home is your sanctuary. It is a place for solace, peace and a retreat from the outside world. But what happens when an unsuspecting intruder, we’re talking about mold here, invades your space and disrupts your tranquility?  Mold is a crafty trespasser that can find many ways to disturb the peace of your haven.

For those allergic to mold, its unwelcome presence can bring a slew of less-than-desirable allergic reaction symptoms that are far from tranquil. But don’t fear, harmony can be restored!

Check out these tips to curb indoor mold growth that can help minimize exposure and allow you to better manage your mold allergy symptoms. Get ready to channel your inner mold-fighting warrior and reclaim the zen that is rightfully yours.

1. Keep moisture out

Keeping moisture out of your home is key for reducing mold growth.¹

• Use dehumidifiers and ensure proper ventilation.
• Promptly fix leaks and install proper insulation to prevent condensation.
• Use moisture-resistant materials in damp areas and air conditioning to reduce humidity.
• Avoid drying clothes indoors.
• Use exhaust fans when cooking or showering.

2. Improve ventilation

Breathe in, breathe out. Ventilation improvements can help to remove excess moisture and improve air circulation, especially in high-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.¹

• Open windows and doors for fresh air and reduced humidity.
• Use exhaust fans in damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Install vents and attic fans in poorly ventilated spaces and keep air conditioners and dehumidifiers well-maintained for air circulation and humidity control.
• Employ cross ventilation by opening windows or doors on opposite sides of a room and keeping interior doors open to enable free airflow.

3. Use air purifiers

Air purifiers draw in air and filter out particles, including mold spores. This is often done using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.²

By capturing these spores, air purifiers prevent them from landing on surfaces and growing into new mold colonies. In addition, they continuously cycle and filter the air, improving overall indoor air quality by reducing not just mold allergens, but also other allergens like dust and pollen.2

4. Clean regularly for mold allergy relief

A clean house is a happy, and less sneezy, house. Mold spores are microscopic and can easily spread through the air, landing on any surface in your home.  Regular cleaning helps remove these spores before they can grow into mold.³

Also, mold feeds on organic material, like dust, dirt and other debris. By regularly cleaning, you're essentially removing the food that mold needs to grow.³

It's important to focus on high-risk areas like bathrooms, kitchens and basements and to use appropriate mold-killing cleaning products.

5. Control indoor plants

While indoor plants are beautiful and spread zen vibes, they can also unintentionally promote mold growth. But, managing them correctly can help.⁴

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6. Check for leaks

Checking for leaks to prevent mold involves regular visual inspections of areas prone to leaks, monitoring your water bill for unexpected increases and being alert to musty smells that could indicate hidden leaks. ¹

Look for water stains or discoloration on walls, ceilings, and floors and listen for dripping sounds. Use moisture meters to detect hidden moisture, check exterior faucets for leaks and consider professional inspection if needed.

7. Use mold-resistant products

Using mold-resistant products can help reduce mold in your home including:

• Paint for walls
• Drywall, sheetrock and insulation
• Caulk to seal areas prone to moisture
• Shower curtains, liners and carpets in your bathroom and other damp areas
• Wood, building materials, fabric and upholstery where possible

8. Remove carpet from damp areas

Removing carpets from damp areas, such as basements and bathrooms, helps reduce mold as carpets can trap and hold moisture, providing an ideal environment for mold growth.¹ Certain carpets can have weave patterns that restrict airflow, slowing evaporation.

You can minimize these risks by replacing carpets with mold-resistant flooring like tile, vinyl or treated wood. If carpets are necessary, choose mold-resistant options and ensure they are properly cleaned and dried when wet.

9. Dry wet items quickly

Quickly drying wet items prevents mold growth by eliminating the moisture that mold spores need to grow, protecting materials like wood and fabric from becoming mold breeding grounds, and reducing indoor humidity levels.⁵

Quick drying methods include using towels, placing items in the sun or a well-ventilated area and using fans, dehumidifiers or heaters. For large-scale water damage, professional services may be necessary.

10. Get professional help to reduce mold allergens

Seeking professional help can be an effective way to eliminate mold problems, especially in severe cases or when the mold is hard to reach.⁶ Here’s how they can help:

• Specialized equipment: They use specialized equipment that can more effectively remove and clean up mold than typical household methods.
• Preventing spread: During the cleanup process, mold spores can become airborne and spread. Professionals prevent this, often using containment and air filtration devices.
• Addressing the source: They identify and address the source of moisture 
• Restoration: Many professional mold remediation companies also offer restoration services to repair any damage from mold.

11. Monitor and replace HVAC filters

Monitoring and replacing HVAC filters helps reduce mold by improving air quality and maintaining HVAC system health. Filters trap airborne mold spores, reducing their circulation in your home. ⁷

Regular filter replacement prevents your HVAC system from overworking and creating condensation, a potential environment for mold growth. Generally, filters should be checked monthly and replaced every three months, or more often if needed, using the correct size and type for your system.⁷

Curious if you have a mold allergy? Get tested.

If you suspect that you may have a mold allergy it is best to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms and allergy testing options. This allergy symptom questionnaire will summarize your allergy symptoms and guide a productive conversation with your healthcare provider.

Learn more about blood allergy testing and how to get an allergy test.