How to Prevent Mold in the Garage

If you are a property owner, you may often come across mold growth issues. Your garage is a perfect place for mold to thrive, as it spreads in damp, dark environments and can grow anywhere, both outside and indoors. You need to find out ways to remove it as soon as possible. Do not drag your feet because this contagion may stick to your clothing, shoes, kids' backpacks, and even pets at lightning speed.

Fortunately, there are many ways to get over mold, and we are here to help you. Follow some useful tips on how to prevent this unpleasant condition from developing in your garage!

Reduce Moisture

Protecting your garage from water and moisture is the best way to prevent mold from building up and spreading all over your place. Humidity control is an important step to consider in your struggle. 

As we have already mentioned, mold thrives in moist environments, so keeping your garage dry is an effective first step to consider. Always seal garage doors and windows so the water doesn't seep through them. A dehumidifier will also be an additional help to lower the moisture level. Your garage roof may also be prone to leaks, that's why make you should ensure that it is in good condition. 

Control Ventilation and Light

Don't forget about providing your garage with good ventilation and proper natural light. Dark environments also encourage the growth of mold. Try to circulate the air to keep it fresh and clean with extractor fans. Avoid leaving wet shoes and clothes in the garage and keep its door open on warm, dry, and sunny days to let fresh air in. This will definitely help to prevent mold growth.

Garage Door

A proper garage door plays an essential role in preventing the infiltration of water into your garage. If you still have an unmaintained old up and over garage door, it may cause excess water to find its way inside your otherwise dry garage. In this case, we have a useful article for you to learn about the longevity of your doors. 

A professionally manufactured roller garage door will offer exceptional benefits and properly fight the threat of mold. Roller garage doors provide full-scale protection from the elements. Heavy rainfall, high winds, and even snow or hail are kept easily at bay, so you can rest assured that any mold won’t be due to moisture infiltration through the door.

Install Waterproof Walls

Whether you’re building a new garage or renovating an old one, choose mold-resistant drywall, as well as waterproof paint on walls and concrete. Use pre-coated aluminum or vinyl siding as an alternative for better protection against water and mold.

Scrub the Mold and Spores Thoroughly

Whether it's a white mold or a black one that has already grown in your garage, you should remove it immediately. 

The first step to take is spraying the affected area with warm water. Then you can use bleach, which many people consider to be the most effective mold removal product. You can also apply natural ingredients such as distilled white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. They are free of harmful chemicals compared to those found in mold sprays. During this daunting process, remember to wear a mask and protective clothing!

After that, you should scrub the area with a stiff bristle brush, rinse, and repeat if needed. Once you get rid of mold, make sure to dry the affected areas thoroughly. Don't neglect to call an experienced team of professionals if your preventive measures won't work. 

Reduce Plant Growth Around the Garage

Most homeowners like planting the area around their garage. Though shrubs and plants may look nice, they accumulate moisture and may as well cause leaks in your garage. Try to grow plants at a safe distance away from your garage walls and windows.

Keep Your Garage Storage Organized

If your garage serves as your storeroom, it is likely to be more exposed to mold. That's why you had better organize it properly and get rid of anything that may cause mold to grow. Instead of keeping things on the garage floor, place them on shelves so, in case of rain or flood, they won't get wet, saving your space from mold growing. Learn more about keeping your garage storage organized in our blog. 

More Tips

If you want to keep your garage mold-free, follow these additional tips:

• Seal and insulate your garage door.
• Use only waterproof or mildew-resistant paint on the concrete.
• Use waterproof containers.
• Ensure that your downspouts extend at least 10 feet away from the garage foundation.
• Maintain proper drainage and a floor slope to avoid garage flooding.
• Fix any cracks and damages in your garage floor, roof, gutters, or pipes on time.
• Replace cardboard storage boxes with sturdy plastic totes.

The Bottom Line

The process of preventing mold is a critical part of being a homeowner. Detecting mold in the garage is one of the most common issues property owners face. As the contagion grows very fast, it can cause severe damage to your property, ruin walls and floors, and lead to serious health problems. You've learned how to fight with both a black mold and a white one from the article above. 

Never avoid mold in your garage. Remember to provide proper ventilation, install waterproof walls and right garage doors, avoid high humidity, keep your garage store organized, scrub the mold and spores thoroughly, and reduce plant growth around the garage.