Mold is a type of fungus that grows from tiny spores that float in the air. You know that mold can disguise itself in many different shapes and colors and can develop anywhere. Walls, floors, even your appliances, you name it, they can all provide the food mold needs to grow. If you find mold within your home, you should remove it immediately. If you don’t catch the growth early enough, it can lead to damaging effects on your health and home.
Where to Look for Mold Growth:
The Bathroom Sink
Humidity is one of the leading causes of mold growth. Your bathroom is a confined area that stores a lot of moisture, especially after showering. Make sure you are checking the surface of your sink and drying up any unnecessary water daily. When you’re cleaning your bathroom, check that you are cleaning all areas, even under the sink, with a cleaning solution to prevent mold growth.
The Refrigerator and Pantry
Fresh food products have a short shelf life. Once a product expires, it’s only a matter of time before you start seeing mold developing. To avoid products from molding, try completing weekly clean outs of your fridge and pantry. After disposing of your expired products, it’s best to take the trash out that night.
On Your Mattress
Although it’s not very common for mold to grow in your bedroom, it’s not entirely a safe zone. All indoor spaces are susceptible to mold growth and as frightening as it sounds, this includes your bedroom. But don’t worry, there are precautions you can take to avoid mold growth on your mattresses, such as purchasing a mold-resistant mattress or a waterproof cover. You can also invest in a dehumidifier to keep household humidity low.
Fireplace and Chimney
When not in use, your fireplace and chimney are naturally cold, dark, and damp areas. This environment is ideal for mold to grow. Also, the brick that is used to build fireplaces is porous, making it easy for mold to spread rapidly. During the off season, you should have your chimney and fireplace cleaned by a professional.
When was the last time you had a home inspection? Contact Cornerstone Home Inspections and have a certified mold inspector check out your home.