mold and allergens

7 Essential Ways to Keep Harmful Mold and Allergens Out of Your Home This Summer

Mold and allergens are two silent threats that intensify during the summer months in Salt Lake City. As temperatures rise and wildfires kick up across Utah, the air becomes a carrier of not just smoke but harmful particles, spores, and pollutants that can sneak into your home and wreak havoc on your health.

At PuroClean of Bluffdale, we see the real damage every year not just to property, but to the peace of mind of homeowners who thought their houses were safe. If you’ve been noticing stuffy air, unexplained allergies, or that all-too-familiar musty smell, this guide is for you.

Let’s break down how mold and allergens invade homes during summer and what steps you can take today to keep your indoor air clean, safe, and healthy.

Why Summer Air Quality Triggers Mold and Allergens in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has made national headlines for its seasonal air quality struggles. During summer, two main culprits arise:

  • Wildfire smoke drifting from local and out-of-state fires
  • High ozone levels due to heat and car emissions trapped by mountain inversions

According to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, these pollutants make summer one of the worst seasons for respiratory health. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that these outdoor threats can easily become indoor hazards, triggering or exacerbating issues with mold and allergens.

How Mold and Allergens Enter Your Home

1. Poor Ventilation

Many homeowners shut windows to keep smoke out, which is a good step. But without proper airflow and filtration, trapped humidity can rise. Moisture buildup is the number one cause of mold and allergens.

2. HVAC Systems

Your air conditioner could be recirculating more than cool air. When filters aren’t replaced, dust, pollen, mold spores, and other allergens keep cycling through your home. According to the EPA, HVAC systems are a common source of indoor air contamination.

3. Door and Window Seals

As temperatures soar, tiny gaps around doors and windows can allow pollutants and spores inside especially during windy wildfire days.

4. Damp Basements and Crawlspaces

Increased groundwater levels in June and July lead to more moisture in the soil. If your basement isn’t sealed or ventilated properly, it could become a breeding ground for mold colonies.

5. Pet Dander and Outdoor Clothing

Pets and even your summer wardrobe can bring in pollen and allergens after a day outdoors.

Signs That Mold and Allergens Are Already in Your Home

Be on the lookout for these early warning signs:

  • Musty or sour smells, especially in basements or bathrooms
  • Persistent sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes indoors
  • Visible black, green, or white growth near HVAC vents or on ceilings
  • Fluctuating humidity levels or condensation on windows
  • Worsening allergy or asthma symptoms during the summer

If any of these ring a bell, it’s time to act. Early detection of mold and allergens can prevent structural damage and long-term health issues.

7 Expert Tips to Keep Mold and Allergens Out of Your Home This Summer

1. Replace HVAC Filters Monthly

Especially during heavy-use months, upgrade to HEPA-rated filters and replace them at least once a month to capture mold spores and pollen.

2. Invest in a Dehumidifier

Keeping indoor humidity below 50% is a game-changer. Mold thrives in humid environments. A good-quality dehumidifier in your basement or bathroom can dramatically reduce risk.

3. Schedule a Professional Duct Cleaning

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends regular duct cleanings, especially if you’ve had renovations, a mold issue in the past, or pets.

4. Use Exhaust Fans in Kitchens and Bathrooms

These fans remove moisture at the source. If yours vent internally, consider upgrading to external vents.

5. Seal Leaks and Cracks

Apply caulk or weather stripping to windows, doors, and attic spaces to keep outdoor pollutants where they belong.

6. Clean Upholstery and Carpets

Fabric holds onto allergens and spores. Steam cleaning carpets and vacuuming with HEPA-filter vacuums help remove embedded irritants.

7. Have a Mold Inspection Done

When in doubt, call in the pros. PuroClean of Bluffdale offers detailed mold assessments using thermal imaging and air sampling to detect hidden threats.

What Makes Summer Mold So Dangerous?

While mold is a year-round issue, summer mold is often more aggressive due to higher humidity, sudden storms, and hot air that encourages growth. Unlike winter mold, which spreads slowly, summer mold can colonize large areas in days.

More concerning is that you may not see it. Mold behind walls, under carpets, or in HVAC systems can release spores that impact indoor air quality long before visual signs appear. According to Mayo Clinic, exposure to mold spores can lead to respiratory issues, chronic sinusitis, fatigue, and in severe cases, serious immune reactions.

How PuroClean of Bluffdale Protects Your Home

We know Salt Lake City. From wildfire smoke to hidden mold in century-old basements, PuroClean of Bluffdale is trained and equipped to restore clean, breathable air to your home.

Our services include:

  • Professional mold inspection and testing
  • HVAC system and duct evaluation
  • Emergency water extraction and drying
  • Allergen remediation and HEPA air scrubbing
  • Humidity control solutions

We go beyond surface fixes to get to the root of the problem, saving you money on repeat issues and giving you peace of mind during Utah’s hottest months.

Don’t Let Summer Air Quality Compromise Your Comfort

Poor summer air quality isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous. Protecting your family means taking mold and allergens seriously, especially when wildfire smoke and high humidity combine forces.

The good news? You don’t have to handle it alone. PuroClean of Bluffdale is here to assess, prevent, and remediate indoor air threats with precision and care.

📞 Call today at (801) 254-6204 to schedule a home inspection
🌐 Or book your consultation online now →