5 Places You Should check for Mold in your Home
As the weather gets colder causing us to spend more and more time inside, consider checking these often forgotten places for mold.
1. Anything in the Bathroom
While the bathroom itself is a common place checked for mold, there are some fixtures that often fall through the cracks. As the bathrooms of your home are perfect environments for mold to grow, they should be checked for mold regularly. Fixtures near the sink, such as toothbrush holders or soap dispensers, should be paid close attention to, as water from the sink can splash onto them and allow mold growth.
The humidity from showers also plays a large role in mold growth. Mold prefers humid environments, so bathrooms with showers are especially great spots for mold. Be sure to regularly clean those bathrooms. This includes any cabinets, towel racks, and other small fixtures you have in the bathroom. You should also check the spaces between tiles and the grout, as it is easy for mold to hide there undetected.
2. The Chimney
Chimneys and fireplaces are an often forgotten place that mold can grow in. Since you likely haven’t been using your fireplace much during the warmer months, mold buildup may go unnoticed. When it rains, be sure to check the chimney for any water leaks, as that moisture can cause mold to grow. Chimneys and fireplaces should be cleaned often. However, you may want to consider hiring a professional cleaning company to clean your chimney, as it can be quite difficult for the average person.
3. Under your Rugs & Carpet
Another place that often hides mold is beneath rugs. Both carpet and rugs can be a great place for mold to settle, especially in humid areas like bathrooms. Check underneath any rugs frequently, and if they get wet, dry them immediately.
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to redecorate, consider replacing your bathroom rugs with water resistant or wooden bath mats. These mats are specifically designed to handle moisture while also preventing slipping on tiled floors, meaning you won’t need to worry about mold buildup on them.
4. In Your Storage
Basements and attics are commonly used for storage, but they also are prone to mold issues. Paper, wood, and cardboard are especially susceptible to mold damage. This can be especially dangerous when mold grows on the exposed wooden frame of a home, as it can lead to major structural damage. Checking these areas frequently for any moisture leaks will help prevent mold from sprouting up.
5. Dehumidifiers
Et tu, Brute? While it’s somewhat ironic, as dehumidifiers are usually used to prevent mold outbreaks, they can also be a source of mold if not properly cleaned. The water reservoir in a dehumidifier can get moldy if not emptied and cleaned often. This will cause it to release mold spores into your house, allowing mold to spread and ruining the air quality. Dehumidifiers should be cleaned regularly, including filter replacements if your dehumidifier has them.
When you check your house for mold, be sure to look in these often forgotten spots. If you do find mold, Aloha is here to help. Our experienced mold removal professionals will take out the mold at the source, saving you the headache of DIY removal.
