Areas Mold Can Hide In Your Home

Common Areas For Mold To Hide In Your Home

1. Windows. Mold often grows near windows since they tend to be damp and mold requires moisture to grow. To prevent mold growth, seal your windows and wipe down windowsills regularly. Doing these simple steps will eliminate much of the moisture and bacteria that mold requires to grow. If your window seals are broken or old, they may allow condensation to build up and your mold problem may become more serious. If this occurs, you should contact a professional to conduct a mold inspection.
2. Drywall or Wallpaper. Mold growth often hides behind your home’s drywall and wallpaper. Signs of mold growth and moisture includes bubbling, flaking or bulging in your wallpaper or wall paint. Additional signs of hidden mold are musty or mold-like smells coming from your walls. If you discover visual signs of mold growth or a musty smell behind your walls, you should hire a mold removal professional to conduct an inspection.
3. Carpets and Upholstery. Fabric that makes up carpets and upholstery traps dirt and dust that attracts mold spores . Carpets and upholstery can also hold moisture when they get wet leading to potential mold growth if not addressed. To prevent mold growth, clean carpets and upholstery regularly and dry any moisture as soon as possible.
4. HVAC Units. Mold often grows in HVAC systems because they collect dust, dirt and moisture from the air. Regularly inspect your HVAC system to ensure that the unit isn’t leaking or collecting excess moisture. Keep air circulating inside your house by running your air conditioning unit frequently during warm, humid weather. If you discover mold in your HVAC unit, contact a mold remediation specialist.
5. Chimneys. Chimneys are exposed to moisture from snow and rain. Moisture, combined with outside elements such as debris, dirt, and leaves, create the perfect environment for mold to grow. Be sure to properly clean and inspect your chimney once a year to prevent mold growth.
6. Washing Machines. Washing machines are susceptible to mold growth because they collect lint and moisture. Since the the door is remains closed, the washing machine is unable to dry out on it’s own. To help prevent mold growth,  clean your washing machine regularly and leave the door open when not in use.
7. Refrigerators. Drip pans beneath the refrigerator collect the moisture and leaks that typically go unnoticed. To prevent mold growth,  thoroughly clean the drip pan and wipe down the inside of your refrigerator.