Mold can wreak havoc in your home. Left unaddressed, it can lead to serious damages, such as falling down walls, caving in floorboards, or collapsing ceilings. It can even lead to a variety of health problems.
Unfortunately, it can be challenging to get rid of molds once it starts growing and spreading in your home. Knowing where to check and how to keep those spots mold-free, will help you avoid the potentially costly and unhealthy spread of molds.
Here are five spots to check for mold growth in your home.
Kitchen
The kitchen is supposed to be a place for preparing delicious meals for your family. Unfortunately, the kitchen has high levels of humidity, which provides the perfect condition for molds to grow.
Molds are often found on walls, underneath the sink, window sills, cupboards, backsplash, and even on or in your appliances. It’s crucial to ensure that these spots are cleaned and checked regularly to prevent mold growth. Also, open your windows as much as possible to keep the humidity level low.
Water leaks can also contribute to the growth and spread of molds. Be sure to perform pipe checks to ensure that there are no leaks. If there are, address the problem immediately.
Bathroom
Taking a hot shower or taking a long soak in the tub is the best way to relax after a long, stressful day at work. This, however, allows moisture and humidity to build up in the bathroom. If your bathroom remains humid for prolonged periods, you run the risk of mold and mildew growing in your bathroom.
The shower, bathtubs, toilet, walls, and floor are the most common places to find mold. In some cases, you may also find mold in and around the faucet, shower curtain, shampoo bottles, and even washcloths.
Eliminating moisture is one of the best steps you can take to prevent mold growth.
Make it a habit to dry all surfaces – bathroom walls, shower curtains, and mirrors – after taking a shower. Keep the door and windows open to help speed up the process. Or better yet, leave the exhaust fan running for about 20 minutes after coming out of the shower.
Basement
Most people don’t spend much time in their basement. This, combined with the dark, cold nature of the basement, makes it an ideal environment for mold to grow. In most cases, homeowners don’t realize they have a mold problem until it’s too late.
Notice a damp, musty smell in your basement? It could be a sign of mold infestation. Check the walls, floors, and baseboards for stains or patches colored green, black, or white with orange spots. Use a dehumidifier to keep your humidity levels below about 60%. A hydrometer can help you keep your humidity levels in check. If you have a water leak, clean up and ventilate the area thoroughly until it’s dry.
Crawlspace
The crawlspace is another common spot for mold growth. It’s dark, damp, and probably full of spiders. It feels more like a cave than a part of your house. This is why most homeowners can’t be bothered to check their crawlspace. This, however, makes it an ideal place for molds to live and grow.
Make it a habit to check on your crawlspace. Please give it a good cleaning once in a while. I know it can be spooky, but cleaning and maintaining the crawlspace can make all the difference in keeping your home dry, mold-free, and structurally sound.
Coffee maker
Your coffee maker may be the last place you’d check for mold. Many people don’t realize it, but the coffee maker is dirtier than the faucet handle. Molds love a moist environment — like a coffee maker you haven’t washed for weeks.
Studies suggest that almost half of coffee makers have mold and yeast in their water reservoirs.
If you’re someone who can’t function without their morning joe, do yourself a favor and wash and dry your coffee maker before putting it together. This simple step will not only ensure your coffee tastes great but it will also keep your coffee maker mold-free.
Final thoughts
Of course, mold growth is not limited to these five spots in your home. Sometimes, they grow in areas that aren’t always visible such as beneath the walls or underneath the floorboards.
If you tend to smell mold but can’t see it, there’s a good chance there are molds in your home. If you want mold testing to be performed, you should hire a professional. They’ll be able to detect the presence of mold even in inaccessible areas without tearing up the floors or walls.
Call us at 303-995-7015 to determine if you have a mold problem and what type you’re dealing with. We also do mold remediation services.
