If your home has suffered water damage in the past, you need to constantly be on the lookout for mold. You can get frequent and regular mold inspection and testing done. However, despite being the most accurate method to detect mold, a professional inspection can cost you. If you do not want to spend on inspections any more than you have to, and that too simply based on a hunch, why not go on a little mold hunting expedition of your own? Below are a few places in your home you should look for mold.
Window Sills
Window sills are frequently exposed to moisture from condensation and only get proper airflow when the windows are open during the summer months. The dirt accumulated in the grooves of the window sills is food for mold spores.
Wipe down the windows when you see condensation and clean the window tracks to remove dust, to prevent mold growth in your window sills.
The Attic
Roof leaks, poor ventilation, and dust that has accumulated in your attic can create the perfect environment for mold spores to thrive.
Periodically check your attic for mold, and install air vents to aid circulation in the attic. Also, if you have any water leaks, get your roof inspected and repaired before it turns into a more significant issue during harsh weather.
Chimneys
If your chimney is not properly capped off, water from rain and snow can enter into it. On top of that, leaves and other organic materials that enter the chimney can create ideal conditions for mold to grow. The issue is worsened by the porous surfaces of bricks and mortar.
Cover the top of the chimney properly to prevent mold growth and call a professional chimney cleaner to remove debris and mold.
Bathroom and Kitchen Sinks
Mold thrives in dark, moist, and warm environments like the areas under the kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Check these areas for plumbing leaks and condensation and wipe the moisture off the cabinet’s interior located under the sink with a hydrogen peroxide or bleach cleaning solution to prevent mold infestation.
Toothbrush Holder
While a ceramic, glass or plastic container next to the bathroom sink is a convenient place to store your toothbrush, it is also the perfect place for mold, as water that drips from the toothbrush can accumulate into the holder.
To prevent mold growth, regularly rinse and dry the interior of your toothbrush holder. While you are cleaning, do not forget the underside of the soap dish.
Filing Cabinets
Paper is made from wood pulp, which is food for mold spores, so if your home has experienced water damage or there is high humidity, then your files can become damp, putting them at risk of molding.
To protect your files, the best option is prevention. Do not store papers in damp boxes, basements, or attics. Also, consider investing in a dehumidifier in your home office during months when there is increased humidity.
Toys
Toddlers have a bad habit of putting everything in their mouths, including their toys making them sticky and damp, which along with dust, can cause bacteria and moisture to accumulate, leading to mold growth.
Wash your children’s toys or give them a spin in the dishwasher or washing machine regularly to prevent mold from growing.
Appliances
The drip pans, seals, vents, and coils on your household appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines can retain moisture. By now, you’ve probably figured out that where there’s moisture, there can be mold!
Include these hidden spots in your appliances in your regular cleaning routine to prevent mold in house.
Floor Mats
Scraping mud, snow, and grass, among other things, off your shoes on a daily basis can cause moisture to get trapped in and under the mat, making it an environment where mold spores can thrive.
Rinse your mats regularly and dry them before placing them back on your doorstep to combat mold growth.
Carpets and Upholstery
Drapes, wall-to-wall carpeting, and upholstery trap a lot of dust, skin cells, and dirt, all of which are food for mold spores. Now add a plumbing leak, spill, or humidity to the mixture, and you will have the perfect breeding ground for mold.
Vacuum your carpets and upholstery regularly, and wash them frequently with mold-inhibiting cleaning solutions and dry them thoroughly to prevent mold infestation.
Wallpaper and Drywall
Mold on walls is not an uncommon sight, but even if you do not see it, it does not mean it is not there. Mold can grow behind your wallpaper, on the back of your wallboard, and under the paneling.
Regularly wipe your walls and inspect the seams between the floor and ceiling for mold. Also, before you install new drywall or wallpaper, prime the area with mold-inhibiting paint to prevent future problems.
Plumbing and Ductwork
In homes, the average humidity level is 60% or higher, so it comes as no surprise that your ductwork and pipes experience excessive moisture.
Prevent mold growth on your ductwork and plumbing by reducing indoor humidity levels, bringing them down to somewhere between 30% to 50%. Reduce moisture and humidity inside your home by fixing leaks, weatherizing, and running a dehumidifier. Also, consider installing an ultraviolet lighting system to destroy mold spores present in the air that passes through the ducts.
Boiler
Although boilers and water heaters have drains to remove excess moisture and condensation that builds up during normal operations, these drains can rust or get clogged, thereby preventing proper moisture removal, leading to mold growth on the floor walls and air around the unit.
Regularly inspect and clean your HVAC units’ drains to ensure optimum functionality and consider running a dehumidifier in the rooms with more moisture.
Ceiling Tiles
Your pipes and ducts generally run in the space between the roof (or actual ceiling of the room) and a dropped ceiling, which is why moisture and dust tend to accumulate in this space leading to mold growth. In addition, the tiles around your HVAC vents especially are at risk of mold due to the prevalence of warm and moist air there.
Carry our regular mold inspection on your ceiling tiles to handle the problem as soon as it arises.
Potted Plants
Over-watering can cause your indoor plants to rot, which drastically shortens their lifespan and causes mold to appear on the surface of the soil and pots.
Ensure there is no excess moisture in your pots, only enough to meet your plants’ needs.
If you find any traces of mold growth after your inspection, Contact Atlanta Mold & Cleaning for immediate mold removal in your home in Los Angeles, CA.
