Where Can Mold in Your Home Most Likely Be Found?
Mold can grow in many different places in your home. Some of those places may be very obvious, such as on the loaf of bread you purchased last month, stuck in the back of your pantry, and forgot about. However, some are a bit more hidden, such as on your mattress or your curtains. Today we will go over the places in your home where mold is most likely to be found.
What Causes Mold Growth In Your Home?
Mold grows due to a combination of a few key elements: a surface to grow on, mold spores, warmth, darkness, oxygen, and, most importantly, moisture. Thus, when you check for mold in your home, it is essential to check all the places where these may be found.
Where In Your Home Can Mold Grow?
Many places in your home can have all of the elements needed for mold growth. Those areas are places where there is warmth, darkness, and moisture. Those are the most common contributors to mold growth, and they can be found in certain areas of your home. You will also often find a musty smell in areas where mold is growing.
The Bathroom
A lack of ventilation after steam from a shower or bath can lead to mold growth, as the warm moisture often sticks to surfaces in the bathroom. Mold can also grow in and around showers, baths, toilets, and sinks. Ensure you check for any leaks in your bathroom and keep surfaces clean to prevent mold from growing. Wash your towels and bath mats often; the bathroom’s damp environment can allow them to grow mold if not cleaned and dried correctly.
The Kitchen
Mold can grow in many places in your kitchen. Food in your refrigerator and pantry grows mold if not consumed quickly. Mold can also grow on dirty dishes or your kitchen sponges if they sit in the dirty moisture for too long. Check around or under your kitchen sink to see if there are any leaks. Appliances can also be an issue if the seals are often wet. Food spillage and crumbs around your kitchen can also lead to mold, so clean up after using appliances. Be sure to take out the garbage when it is full, especially if anything with moisture is in it.
The Bedroom
Mold can be hiding in your bedroom in places such as the mattress, the air conditioning vents, and by the window sills. This is often due to humidity. Watch out for any apparent moisture or condensation in these areas. It may be worth looking into investing in a dehumidifier if you have this issue in any area of your home. It is important to wash your sheets often as well.
Some homes have A/C units in the bedroom or living room. You likely do not want mold to be blowing directly at you, so it is vital to check around these units for any excess moisture or mold growth.
The Living Room
Your couch or curtains can quickly gather mold spores in the fabric. If you find any moisture on these surfaces, it can result in mold growth. It is helpful to clean these often and keep them dry. If you have any house plants, they may grow mold on the soil’s surface if you are overwatering them.
The Laundry Room
The laundry room can have mold growth around the washer if there are any leaks or improper drainage. Be sure to also dry your clothes quickly rather than leaving them in the washer after it runs. Damp, warm clothing that sits for a while can grow mold, and mold is something you do not want to wear.
The Attic, Basement, and Garage
Your attic, basement, and garage all have several areas where mold can grow. They are often dark and can be damp, which is an ideal place for mold to grow. If any of them smell a bit musty, mold may be hidden there. To check for it, search for any leaks and look around your vents, windows, pipes, and in your insulation.
How Can You Remove Mold If You Find It In Your Home?
If you find mold somewhere within your home, it is best to call on experts to remove it right away. Mold is dangerous to your home and your health. iMold offers free home inspections and can give you a quick estimate on professional, quick mold removal. Call us at (239) 345-3526 to schedule yours today!
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