10 Unexpected Places To Check For Mold In Your Home
Trying to find mold in your home can feel like a scavenger hunt. You have a few clues where mold might be hiding, but finding it isn’t always easy. You may think you know where to look, but sometimes mold is secretly growing in a place you would never expect! To avoid mold guessing games, we built out a list of the 10 unknown places mold may be growing in your home. As long as mold has moisture and something to snack on, it can and will grow. We don’t want your home to become a breeding ground for mold, which is why we want to help you spot mold growth before it becomes a serious mold nightmare. So, make checking these not-so-common mold spots around your home part of your monthly to-do list:
1. Chimney
If your home has a fireplace, you may want to check your chimney for mold growth. Crevices in the brick are known to collect water, dirt and other debris that allow mold to grow. Plus, chimney caps that need to be replaced may let in excess moisture, further promoting mold growth. To prevent this from happening, replace or repair your chimney caps and fleshings regularly and contact a chimney sweep to keep your chimney clean.
2. Window Seals
If you live in an area that experiences frequent rain, or your home is prone to high levels of humidity, mold may be growing around your window seals. Excess condensation can build up along the window seal, causing unseen mold growth. Stop mold before it starts by checking your window seals regularly and wiping down window seals after heavy rain. Damaged window seals may also be letting unwanted moisture inside, so replace these if necessary.
3. Dishes
It’s likely that we’re all guilty of putting away a plate or two that wasn’t completely dry—some of us more than others. However, making this into a habit may cause unsuspected mold growth on your dishes. When left unused, dishes holding leftover moisture may allow mold to grow not only on your dishes, but also in your cabinets. Be sure to check and clean your cabinets frequently for any potential signs of mold. And always dry off each dish before you put it away!
4. Under The Sink
You know the saying, out of sight, out of mind? This is especially true when it comes to the space under our kitchen and bathroom sinks! Mold loves to grow in dark, wet places, making the area under your sink the perfect place for mold to hide. Even the smallest leak could lead to serious mold damage, so make it part of your weekly routine to check under your sinks for moisture. If you locate a leaky pipe, repair it immediately and clean the affected area with a DIY spray made with essential oils.
5. Toothbrush Holder
This is the one tiny area of our home we often forget about. Toothbrush holders are known to facilitate mold growth due to water that drips off of toothbrushes. While you can’t prevent water from dripping from your toothbrush, you can set aside time at least once a month to give your toothbrush holder a deep clean. Soak it in soap and water, or use your essential oil spray once again to sanitize it.
6. Attic
Yes, you read that right! Your attic is one of the unknown places mold may be hiding. Mold in your attic could be due to a number of things, such as roof damage, improper ventilation, improper exhaust fans and more. Unfortunately, once mold has begun to grow in an attic it often goes unnoticed for quite some time. Besides, how often do you visit your attic unless it’s to pull down seasonal decorations? Chances are, not much. Checking your attic frequently for signs or smells of mold is not only crucial to protecting your home, but also your health. Much of the air you breathe comes into your home from your attic, and constantly inhaling mold spores could result in serious health issues. However, you may not know where to look in your attic for signs of mold, in which case it’s in your best interest to contact a mold removal specialist!
7. Appliance Drip Pan
When’s the last time you thought about the drip pan under your fridge or washing machine? These drip pans catch it all—water, dust, crumbs and more—making them the perfect breeding ground for mold. So, the next time you’re giving your home a deep clean, don’t forget about the drip pans! Clean off any dirt, dust, water or grime before replacing these forgotten catch-alls.
8. Under Carpet
If the carpet in your home has experienced water damage or unexpected spills, there could be mold growing underneath. Soaking up moisture on the surface isn’t always enough to protect against mold. If the liquid has time to soak into the carpet, mold can grow. Plus, think about all of the dust and dirt your carpet holds. If carpets aren’t vacuumed regularly, these particles will be just enough to feed mold and allow it to grow. This is why it’s not only important to clean your carpets, but also to contact a specialist if you think moisture is trapped underneath your carpet.
9. Behind Wallpaper
Similar to your carpets, mold can unexpectedly grow behind wallpaper or drywall. When moisture is present, or humidity levels in your home are high, mold may begin to grow beneath your walls. In homes with these conditions, it’s common for mold to start growing in the corners of rooms. However, just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there! And if you start smelling it, that’s never a good sign. Verify that there is no water damage on the walls, and check the humidity levels in each room. If humidity levels are high, try using a dehumidifier to balance these levels and protect against potential mold growth.
10. Houseplants
Last but not least, your houseplants may be harboring mold growth on or beneath the soil. Oftentimes, this is due to overwatering. Too much water in the soil can give mold exactly what it needs to grow and attack your plant. Keep an eye out for mold growth on the top of the soil, and monitor how much water you give your plants.
Need Your Home Inspected For Mold? Call Killingsworth!
The old saying you give an inch and they’ll take a mile is all too true when it comes to mold. With even just a little moisture and something to munch on, mold can spread when left unnoticed. By checking these unexpected mold hiding places frequently, you should be able to protect your home against potential mold growth. But what if mold is growing somewhere else—and what should you do if you find it? The answer is to call Killingsworth! We can inspect your home for signs of mold, and determine exactly where mold is hiding. If mold is found, we’ll be able to quickly and safely treat it, allowing you to enjoy a healthy, mold-free home once again. Don’t wait to treat mold until you’ve found it. Instead, schedule a service with us to help prevent mold before it has the chance to grow!
