September is Mold Awareness Month and we’re wrapping up by sharing some comprehensive info about mold in your home. The fact is, mold is everywhere and while you can’t control it outdoors or in public spaces, we want to highlight the common areas in your home where mold can grow so you know where to look and how to prevent mold in the first place.
We’ll talk about:
what mold is
what causes mold
common types of mold,
where to check for mold
what to do if you find mold in your home
Let’s dive in!
What is mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that sprouts from microscopic spores floating in the air. When clusters of mold spores grow on surfaces, they start to reproduce and become visible to the human eye. Some molds are harmless and simply grow on the surface– these can be taken care of with household cleaners. However, other kinds of mold burrow beneath the surface and are dangerous to your health.
WHAT CAUSES MOLD IN HOMES?
Now matter how tidy you are, ALL homes have the key ingredients needed for mold growth: the presence of mold spores, a surface for it to grow on, oxygen, warmth, and darkness. When you add moisture –whether from a water leak, or high levels of humidity– into the mix, mold problems can take hold.
Common Types of Mold
Did you know there are hundreds of different species of mold?! Some of them are benign but some are harmful. Let’s break it down to four common types of mold that you’ll find indoors.
Aspergillus
These molds interact with humans in many beneficial ways. Aspergillus mold species is used in Vitamin C supplements and to make certain food products. However, many species produce asthma and allergy triggers along with carcinogenic toxins like aflatoxin. Aspergillus is also known to infect immunocompromised humans.
Alternaria
These molds perform a lot of decay in the natural world and produce high levels of toxins. The can produce asthma and allergy triggers and can infect our mucous membranes.
Cladosporium
These molds are extremely common around the world, and can grow in many environments and climates. While they produce asthma and allergy triggers, Cladosporium doesn’t produce toxins though it does put out an unpleasant odor.
Penicillium
You’re already likely familiar with this group of molds thanks to its use in bacteria-killing penicillin which helps us fight infections, though it can trigger allergy/asthma symptoms in some people.
Where to check for mold in your bathroom
Mold loves bathrooms because it’s a warm, wet environment– ideal conditions for mold spores to take up residence and replicate! Especially if your bathroom lacks good ventilation (from a window, vent fan or both) you’ll be especially likely to get mold. Here’s where to be sure and check for mold in your bathroom:
In the shower and bathtub
In addition to the obvious areas –water line on the tub, shower tiles/backsplash) be sure to check for mold on your shampoo bottles, washcloths and loofahs, shower curtain, in and around the faucet and shower head, and in the tile grout.
The sink and toilet
Obvious areas include the surface of your sink and counters but also check your toothbrush and toothpaste caddy, the toilet (behind and inside tank) and underneath the bathroom sink.
In the walls and on the floor
Keep your eye out for any leaks on the walls, ceiling or floors of your bathroom.
More tips keep your bathroom free of mold
Use a vent fan during your bath or shower, and keep it on for at least 20 minutes after
Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to keep humidity levels down throughout your home
Keep all surfaces, including counters and floors, clean and dry
Check for leaky faucets and pipes
Where to check for mold in your kitchen
Mold can grow on food that’s gone bad in the fridge and dirty dishes left in the sink for too long. Using your stove and running hot water also increase humidity in the air, so be sure to check these places for mold in your kitchen:
In, on, and under the kitchen sink
A lot happens in your kitchen sink. Dirty dishes pile up, food goes through the garbage disposal, wet sponges sit and collect bacteria, and faucets run. All of these things contribute to the potential for mold growth, so check in these areas, especially underneaththe sink — leaky pipes are a big culprit for mold!
The refrigerator and pantry
Food, especially if it’s expired, can cause mold. Your fridge and pantry should remain free of old food, and the surfaces should be wiped down regularly. In addition to those evident places, fridge drip trays and water dispensers collect water and are an ideal place for mold to grow.
Microwave and stove
These food-centric places of your kitchen see a lot of food spillage and grease splatters — two things mold loves to call home. Not only is keeping these things clean and dry important for having a clean home but it’s also an easy way to prevent mold.
Other places in the kitchen
Unfortunately, wooden cutting boards, trash cans, behind the stove (where food crumbs fall) and windows and window sills in the kitchen are like heaven for mold spores.
To keep your kitchen mold free, be sure to:
Ventilate when cooking and doing dishes by opening a window, using a fan, or both
Wash the dishes every day, so they don’t pile up in the sink
Clean and dry the stove top, microwave, counters, cabinets, and window sills regularly
Clean out the inside of your fridge and your fridge drip tray often
Where to check for mold in Your bedroom
Bedrooms typically aren’t a hotspot for mold (especially if the humidity is well controlled and there’s decent ventilation). However, all indoor spaces are susceptible to mold, so it’s worth checking for, just in case.
On your mattress
All it really takes to create mold is excess moisture and something for the mold to grow on. If you can, invest in a mold-resistant mattress. Otherwise, make sure your household humidity stays low and your mattress (including the underside — opt for a slatted bed frame) stays cool and dry.
Windows and window sills
Windows that collect condensation due to humidity can be especially problematic in preventing mold growth. If that moisture finds its way to the indoor window sill, you’re almost certain to have a mold problem, so be sure to dry off damp window and window sills regularly.
Air conditioning and heating vents
You probably prefer your bedroom to be at the optimal temperature for you to get a good night’s rest. While using the AC and heating unit are fine (and can help control humidity), it’s possible for mold to grow in the vents.
To prevent mold from contaminating your bedroom, you should:
Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air
Dry up any condensation you find on the walls and windows
Invest in a mold-resistant mattress or, at the very least, a waterproof mattress cover
Where to check for mold in your living room
Mold can grow anywhere in your home and the living room is no exception. Let’s take a look at where you should keep an eye out for mold:
Couch and curtains
Fabric and upholstery do a great job of collecting mold spores. If your couch (or other cloth-covered furniture) or curtains become moist, you may notice a foul, musty smell. This should alert you to mold!
Indoor plants
Greenery in your home can be good for air purification but can also cause mold growth so be sure you don’t overwater your plants!
Fireplace and chimney
We love cozying up by the fireplace but because they’re cool, damp, and dark, when not in use, fireplaces and chimneys can become a hot spot for mold spores. And because the brick used to build most fireplaces is porous, the mold can spread quickly.
Here’s how you can prevent mold from growing in your living room:
As always, use a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels low in your home
Ensure that fabric couches and curtains stay clean and dry
Have your chimney and fireplace cleaned by a professional
Where to check for mold in your attic, basement OR garage
You may not spend much time in these rooms of your home. Not only does this mean you’re less likely to notice mold, it also means that mold is more likely to grow due to poor ventilation. This, combined with the dark nature of attics, basements, and garages, makes mold highly probable.
In the attic
Mold in the attic is a huge problem — they can contain a lot of your ventilation systems and, if left unchecked, can spread mold throughout the rest of your home. In your attic, check for mold:
On the roof, near any possible leaks
In your insulation
Near any vents from the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room/dryer
Near your water heater or furnace
Around your soffit vents (these are the vents near the bottom of the roof that provide ventilation to the attic)
To prevent mold from growing (and spreading) in your attic, you can:
Repair any roof leaks as soon as possible
Use the proper type of insulation
Properly vent items outside, instead of into your attic
Keep soffit vents clear to allow air flow
Keeping your gutter cleaned and in good repair, especially in rainy months
In the basement
Everyone knows that musty basement smell, but your basement doesn’t have to fall victim to that odor if you keep the mold out. There are a lot of areas that are prone to mold growth here, as this tends to be a moist area of the house, so here are a few reminders on where to look for basement mold:
Around pipes and ducting ( look for leaks, excess moisture, and condensation)
Near areas where the foundation may be leaking
Near a sump pump
Windows or vents where condensation might gather
Some tips for preventing mold growth in the basement:
Use a dehumidifier to keep your moisture levels low
Paint with waterproof or mold resistant paint
Check and repair any leaky pipes or foundation leaks
Make sure there is adequate ventilation
Waterproof the exterior of your basement and fix drainage issues
In the garage
Rain from your car and water leaks from the roof are two of the main ways mold gets invited into your garage. If you use your garage for storage of old items or cleaning supplies, you may find mold growing in places you wouldn’t expect. Be sure to check for mold:
Behind or under any storage areas that don’t get moved around very often
Around the garage doors and windows
In areas where water may be standing for long periods of time
Keep mold at bay in your garage by:
Using a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels low, especially during wet months
Use a waterproof or mold and mildew resistant paint for the walls and concrete in your garage
Use a squeegee to remove standing water from the floor
Try to introduce sunlight and ventilation, when possible
Additional places to check for mold in your home
Walls and ceiling
Your walls and ceiling can hide mold behind them without you being any the wiser. Pay attention warning signs like a musty, earthy smell or seeing condensation on the wall or ceiling. Wallpaper can also harbor mold. If you see peeling or moist wallpaper, you may have growth under the surface. If you suspect mold growth in the walls, reach out to professionals like the team at C&C Unlimited for help with what to do next.
Carpeting, fabric, and upholstery
Leave couches, curtains, clothing or towels wet for too long and mildew will form. Once mildew is present, mold is well on its way.
Carpeting presents another issue entirely. You might not see (or smell) mold growth on your carpet but it very well could be lurking underneath on the carpet padding. Large spills and leaks happen and, when they do, should be cleaned up andthoroughlydried to prevent mold.
Washing machines and dryers
Appliances that use water or come into contact with it have the potential to harbor mold. Avoid keeping wet clothes in your washer or dryer and make sure that you are properly venting the dryer outside the home (and not into the attic). Front-loading washers are especially prone to mold growth, so it’s especially important in those models to keep the washer door open when not in use.
Air conditioning and heating ducts
Your HVAC is an extremely important place to be on the lookout for mold. If your ducting gets moldy, it can spread the spores throughout your home. You should regularly inspect your AC unit to make sure it’s draining properly and check your filters to make sure they are not wet and don’t need replacing.
WHEN TO CALL IN PROFESSIONAL MOLD SERVICES IN ALBANY, NY
Checking for mold might seem unnecessary but it can prevent you from getting sick and from your home being damaged, so it’s a worthwhile thing to do! If you need help getting started, C&C Unlimited is proud to offer professional mold services throughout the state of New York.
Day or night, whenever you have a mold problem that needs to be addressed, our team can handle it. Our team comes highly experienced, offers post-mold cleanup with the workforce to handle any size job!
