Mold is a common occurrence and can grow anywhere, but isn’t always so easy to find. Certain conditions lend themselves to create the perfect environment for mold development in a home or business. To thrive, mold requires the basic elements of a water source and humidity. Wherever there is a steady existence of water, mold will happily flourish. Some places are more typical for mold growth but any place can prove to be a worthy candidate.
Mold is a fungal growth that grows on the surface. While it is a natural part of our environment, it is not healthy for us to inhale. There are many reasons why molds should not be growing inside houses. One reason is that molds do not look pleasant on your walls or wherever it chooses to grow. However, the main reason is that if the spores produced by mold get trapped in your lungs, there can be severe breathing problems. It is especially unpleasant for asthmatic persons and those who suffer from allergies. There are different ways that you can use to detect if there is mold in the house.
What are the best conditions for mold growth?
The first way to detect if there’s mold growth is to check for a musky odor. Mold is more likely to grow in warm, moist, dark areas, especially where there is a lot of water usage. For example, if your bathroom walls are allowing water to pass through, and the main wall is getting wet, there will be mold growth because the wall is an excellent place for the mold to stick and grow. A visual inspection can also be helpful and easy to determine.
Where can mold grow in the house?
Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most used areas in the house, and it has all the requirements for mold growth. To avoid mold in the kitchen, check that all pieces of equipment have a seal. This includes the dishwasher and refrigerator. Also, mind dishes sitting in the sink. After use, ensure that they are washed and towel-dried before putting them away. When cleaning the refrigerator, pay special attention to cleaning the drip pans. Another place to check is under the kitchen sink. If there’s water dripping from the pipes, that will provide a suitable place for mold growth.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are the ideal area for mold growth because there are so many different sources of water. Also, the bathroom is warm and moist because of the usual warm temperature fluctuation of water for showers and baths. Some areas where mold can grow are the bathtub, toilet, bathroom mats, between the tiles, and on the wall. If you find any bathroom area where there is mold, you must clean it away as much as possible. One way of keeping out water from seeping in and around those areas is to apply silicone to the area.
Basements
Basements and attic areas are prone to molds because they’re warm, lack ventilation and are dusty; they provide the perfect environment. The best way to avoid mold growth in your basement is to check all pipe installations to ensure they are not dripping. Windows should have tight seals and the foundation should be inspected for cracks or weak areas.
If close attention is paid to those areas above, then there will be no mold growth. Other small areas that will allow mold to breed are carpets, A/C vents, and all water sources and ceilings. Ensure spills are properly dried from carpets to prevent mold growth. If there is a patch of growth that is lingering for too long, call a professional.
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