Mold on Food Vs. Mold on Walls

Mold is very unpleasant, and it is also bad for your health. But what is the difference between a mold that grows on food and mold that stains the bathroom walls? Today we will learn more about the mold on food vs. the mold on walls. Let’s find out when it is time to call in the experts!

Mold on Food

The food most affected by mold are fresh produce and bread. You can visibly only see part of the mold on the surface of the food item. The white circles on weeks-old bread or the furry growth on the surface of the salsa jar is a definite warning sign. If a food item shows signs of mold growth, “root” threads of mold may have invaded it deeply. In dangerous molds, toxic substances are released in and around these threads. The unsafe mold spores invade the food, making it unhealthy to eat.

Does Mold from Food Spread?

If not discarded, the moldy cucumber in the back of your fridge can release mold spores. These mold spores are, in turn, capable of moving around your house. Once the spores latch on to a surface, it begins to grow and can spread very fast. With time the mold can spread inside your air vents and contaminate your home.

How Can You Avoid Mold on Food?

There are things you can do to avoid or reduce mold growth on food. For instance, it is crucial to examine any perishable food that you bring into your home. Also, spores from mold can build up in your refrigerator and other cleaning utensils. So, cleanliness in the kitchen is critical to control food mold growth.

Use these tactics:

•  At the store, always check the best-before date on items you think of buying. Examine any food in a glass jar for signs of mold invasion. Inspect the stem areas on the fresh produce and avoid buying too old or too bruised vegetables. 
• Clean the inside of the refrigerator every couple of months. Dissolve one tablespoon of baking soda in a quart of water. Scrub the surfaces, rinse with water, and dry well. Do not forget to scrub away all visible mold on the rubber casings.
• Keep all cleaning supplies (dishcloths, sponges, and mops) clean and fresh. Change them out when they are old and smelly.
• Be quick to discard any food item that shows signs of age. And clean the areas around that may have been contaminated.

Mold on Walls

Splotches of grey or black mold growing on the walls do not only look bad -it can be awful for your health too. While you can find mold anywhere on the wall, it tends to cluster near the wall’s edges or high up near the ceiling. Mold on walls is often caused by high humidity, too much condensation, and water leaks that can hide inside the walls.

Why Does Mold Grow on Walls

When water vapors in the air end up on colder surfaces, it turns into a liquid, and now condensation is formed. Too much condensation, in turn, brings high humidity. If the humidity level stays too high for some time, mold can develop alongside the walls. Also, suppose the inside environment is damp, and there is poor air circulation. In that case, the mold is even more likely to appear. 

How Can You Avoid Mold on Walls?

It is important to control the humidity levels with the use of heat and ventilation. Also, the frequent running of water in the bathroom and the kitchen creates humidity, so make it a habit to dry any damp surfaces. Be quick to address any water leaks around or in your home. A leaking pipe inside the wall is a well-set mold problem even before you can visibly see it.

Here is a game plan:

Make sure your home is well ventilated. Open windows and doors for ten minutes daily to create a natural draft. Also, keep even heat in your house even when you are not home.

Make sure exhaust fans work correctly. Check all air filters on all fans once a month. Always keep your bath fans running for 30 minutes after you use the shower or the bathtub.

Keep your home watertight! Check water pipes and gutters often to control leaks.  If you think you may have mold on your walls or lurking behind your walls or cabinets, learn more about our mold removal services here.

When Should You Have A Professional Mold Inspection?

If you find mold on your walls, it is high time to order a professional mold inspection. Visible mold is usually a sign of more decay growing out of sight. An expert mold inspector knows where to look and has special tools to help find any hidden problems. Keep your loved ones safe by ordering a professional mold inspection today!

For more information on water leaks, water damage, or mold in your home, call us at (239) 208-6572. Schedule your free mold inspection today! We also offer 24/7 emergency services for floods and leaks. 

You can find us on  Facebook or Instagram to keep up to date with promotions and information!