Mold growth occurs nearly everywhere that is the right about of moisture and humidity. Not all species are harmful, but if you suspect you’re suffering from mold illness, then it is time to find it. Mold can hide in plain sight or in unexpected places. The following are seven common places to search for mold.
Every interior room can invite mold growth, including:
– Bathroom
– Kitchen and Laundry Room
– Living Room or Home Office
– Bedrooms
– Attics and Basements
It does not matter if you live in a wet or dry climate. Mold finds modern homes to be opportunistic environments.
A mold spore can enter the house on people, pets, low-quality filter systems, and items. In a modern sealed home, moisture can arise from widows, pipes, roof leaks, spills, or flooding. When a mold spore finds moisture in carpet, drywall, dust, fabric, insulation, paints, paper products, wallpaper, wood products, cardboard, or upholstery, it grows.
6 Other Locations to Search for Mold Growth
1. Refrigerator – Condensation and spills under and behind the refrigerator can be sources of a lot of moisture for mold spores—clean refrigerator, walls, and floors. If you have a drip pan, clean it with hydrogen peroxide. Then, completely clean the pan with white vinegar.
2. Washing Machines – If your machine smells musty, run a warm water load with white vinegar. Leave the washer lid open after use to air dry. Front loading washing machines wipe the door and gasket and always leave the door open to air dry after every use.
3. Window Seals – Open windows after heavy rain to prevent condensation. Keep a rag ready to wipe any moisture from the windows, especially in the winter. If the seals between the windows are failing, replace them. Regularly cleaning the windows can also prevent mold growth.
4. Air Conditioners – The entire HVAC unit is primed for mold growth—everything from the filter to the vents. Check the drip pan and the area inside the vent. Use a HEPA vacuum to remove any mold growth, then use white vinegar to clean everything. Service and clean your unit frequently and use high-quality HEPA filters to keep the entire system clean and mold-free.
5. Bathroom Tub – Cracks and holes in the water barriers encourage mold growth beneath the surface. Fix and patch any new issues before using the shower or bath. To prevent visible mold growth, dry all the surfaces, including the walls, door, and tub. If you have a shower curtain, remember to close it after use— it will dry faster if air can reach the entire surface. Clean all surfaces often with a mix of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
6. Chimneys – Mold can grow in between the bricks that usually collect water and dirt. Call a chimney sweep to clean the chimney and replace any rusted caps.
If you can still smell mold or must after cleaning these locations, then it is time to inspect further. Mold can hide anywhere, which makes it hard to find. After exhausting the above options, consider materials in your house.
Common Materials Where Mold Grows
- Carpets
- Upholstery
- Curtains
- Insulation
- Wall Studs
- Bathroom mat
- Toothbrush holders
- Towels
- Mattresses
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Stuffed/ Organic material Toys
- Indoor plants
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