Unexpected Areas in Your Home Where Mold Can Hide

Mold can grow almost anywhere in a home. Although mold most commonly occurs in the bathroom and basement, it can also hide in many unexpected areas of your home. Since mold can cause different health problems, keeping your house mold-free is essential to a healthy home environment. Here are several areas in your home that are less known for harboring mold:

1. 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 pans, keep them clean and wipe off the moisture frequently.

2. 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. You can also leave the door open after each wash to allow moisture to evaporate.

3. AC Units

AC units collect dust, pollen and moisture from the air, which may allow mold to grow on the AC 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 AC unit using specialized equipment and techniques. Read more about air duct cleaning here.

4. 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 clean the dirt. Scrub the mold off with a toothbrush and a mixture of half vinegar, half water. To prevent condensation, you may have to repair the seals and replace the sashes.

5. Dishes

Mold may grow on wet dishes that have been stacked 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 rag. Make sure to wipe cabinets with a rag soaked in vinegar before storing the dishes.

6. Inside Chimneys

Rain water 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, it’s best to hire a chimney sweep that can give it a thorough cleaning. Hiring a chimney sweep to clean your chimney once a year is essential to preventing mold in your chimney.

The best way to keep your home mold-free is to prevent it from occurring. Learn how to prevent indoor mold growth in this article. General tips to clean small areas infested with mold in your home are available here. For professional fire, water, and mold restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office.