Mold can grow almost anywhere, and there are lots of places in your home that it can thrive. Although mold most commonly develops in the bathroom and basement, it can also hide in many unexpected areas. Since mold can cause various health problems, keeping your house mold-free is essential to a healthy home environment. Check out these areas that could be harboring mold in your house.
Mold’s Favorite Hiding Spots In Your Home
Refrigerator Drip Pans
The drip pan under your fridge collects moisture, dirt, and bacteria, making it a perfect place for mold to grow. To clean your drip pan, spray a mixture of 1 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide in 1 cup water over the pan. Then, use a rag soaked in vinegar to wipe the pan. To prevent mold from growing in the drip pan, keep it clean and wipe off the moisture frequently.
Washing Machines Gaskets
If you have a front-loading washing machine, chances are that there is mold in the machine’s door gasket. The moisture and lint in the gasket provide a perfect habitat for mold. Prevent mold in the washing machine gasket by wiping moisture off the gasket after every wash. Leaving the door open after each wash twill help allow moisture to evaporate.
Air Conditioning Units
AC units collect dust, pollen, and moisture from the air, allowing mold to grow on the drain pans, coils, and ducts. To get rid of the mold in your AC unit, you may need to hire a professional restoration company. They can detect and remove mold from the unit using specialized equipment and techniques.
Window Sashes and Seals
Windows are common areas where condensation forms and dirt gathers. This combination results in mold growth if you don’t remove the moisture and keep surfaces clean. Scrub the mold off with a toothbrush and a mixture of half vinegar, half water. To prevent condensation in the first place, you may have to repair the seals and/or replace the sashes.
Dishes
Mold can even grow on dishes that have been stacked wet and haven’t been used for several days. Wipe out the mold from dishes by running them through a hot cycle in your dishwasher. Then, dry the dishes completely using a towel. Make sure to wipe cabinets with a cloth soaked in vinegar prior to storing the dishes.
Inside Chimneys
Rainwater and snow may enter the chimney if its caps are rusted or the flashing is damaged. Mold can grow inside chimneys due to the water, dirt, and other organic debris that collects in brick crevices. Before removing the mold, fix or replace the caps and flashing. To remove mold from a chimney, it’s best to hire a chimney sweep that can give it a thorough cleaning. Hiring a chimney sweep once a year is essential to preventing mold in your chimney.
Call PuroClean for Mold Remediation Services
The best way to keep your home mold-free is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. However, don’t panic if you do find mold growing in your home. It’s very common. Just call your local PuroClean office for professional mold restoration services, and we will restore your property to pre-mold conditions.
