Keeping Your Home Mold-Free: Here Are 10 Common Spots To Check For Mold Growth

You may not even know it but probably one of the most common living organisms on earth may have invaded your precious home. These are molds that can grow wherever moisture and organic matters are present. Mold is the most common name for thousands of different types of fungi. It may not be visible but it can be deadly and dangerous. Molds can cause nasal numbness, throat and eye irritation, coughing or sneezing, and worst skin and respiratory allergies. People with these allergies or certain kinds of respiratory illnesses are especially vulnerable to the deadly effects of mold. The worst part is that mold can grow just about anywhere, especially in places you can't see or don't even think about cleaning. I have written in this article a list of places where mold might be nesting in your home.

1. Down the Sink 

Mold lives in a moist and dark environment like the one down your kitchen and bathroom sinks. Inspect the faucet or pvc under the sink for plumbing leaks and immediately contact  a licensed plumber. Dry the interior of the cabinet under the sink with bleach or any cleaning solution to prevent mold from spreading.

2. Toothbrush Holder 

Probably the most disgusting place you would ever imagine is your toothbrush lying on a holder with molds. Glasses, plastics, or ceramic containers on your bathroom sink are a convenient spot to store a toothbrush. However, it is also a perfect habitat for mold which thrives on the water coming from the toothbrush dropping to the container. To prevent mold from growing, rinse and dry well your toothbrush caddy everyday. Don't forget to wash the soap dish and the underside of it as well. 

3. Filing Cabinet  

Paper files could be damped and paper is made from wood pulp which is an organic feast for mold spores. Once it has been contaminated with mold, there's no stopping it from permanently damaging your files so the best option is to prevent it from spreading. Try not to store things in damp boxes, attics and basements and run a dehumidifier in your home to avoid the mold from growing.

4. Shower and Bathtub 

Probably the dampest area in your home where you can find mold. Bathrooms also need proper ventilation and mold will thrive without air. Since mold isn’t always visible, it will be best to check for mold on your shampoo bottles, towels and loofahs, shower curtain and faucets  and tile grout. 

5. The refrigerator and pantry 

Expired food can cause mold so your refrigerator should be free of old food. Make sure to wipe down the surfaces of the pantry regularly. Always clean and sanitize your refrigerator so no molds would grow. 

6. Toys 

Big and small toys can get dirty and can accumulate bacteria and moisture just enough to let the mold grow. These molds may be swallowed by children since they put everything in their mouths. Be sure to clean and dry the toys your children are using to avoid contamination and poison. 

7. Floor Mats

Doormats are great for scraping mud, grass or snow off your shoes but daily exposure to dirt traps moisture in and under the mat which is a perfect habitat for molds to grow. To kill molds, rinse and sundry your mats regularly and remove them from the doorstep once in a while to give the floor space a chance to dry.

8. Carpets and Upholstery 

Upholstery and carpets trap a lot of dust, dirt and skin cells. Vacuum your carpets regularly and wash them with mold cleaning solutions thoroughly after every spill. Sundry to kill the fungi.

9. Boilers and water heaters

Drains can become clogged or rusted with continued use. This prevents the liquid from coming out of the heaters encouraging molds to grow and multiply. It will be best to inspect and clean your HVAC units regularly to guarantee that they are working fine. You might want to consider running a dehumidifier in rooms where moisture tends to collect and become the nest of molds.

10. Dishes 

When you skip drying dishes, you could be inviting molds in your kitchen. Yes, everyone wants to save time and money and plates need to be thoroughly dry before you stack them in the cupboard. Tempting not to dry the dishes anymore to cut off on energy and bills, however, it could be inviting mold in the kitchen. If not properly washed and dry, you might find mold growing in between those stacked plates.

Now that you're done reading this article you can conclude that molds will live wherever it can find dark, damp places. You might want to consider checking molds and mildews on the agreement for your new home if you’re into home buying in the next few days, months or years. In the meantime, it's up to you to clean up wet spots and rigorously clean nooks and crannies around your home which is the secret to keeping your home mold-free and prevent it from feeling welcomed. 

About The Author:

Katreena is a scientist and a life hack specialist. She's authored scientific journals on biotechnology and molecular biology. To take a break from scientific journals, she puts her mind into writing about lifestyle, health, and sustainability. She strongly believes that kindness makes the world go round.