Mold is a common fungus that is very notorious and it grows in any place as long as the conditions are right. It will surprise you more when you get to know that the most unusual places are where mold hides. Especially in many parts of your home. Many thousands of types of fungi have a common name that is mold. In case you find one type of mold looking different from the other. So, wherever organic matter and moisture are present, this is an automatic mold magnet. Here are some surprising places mold loves to hide.
1. The toothbrush holder
Do you know the same spot you put your toothbrush every day is one place mold can thrive best? Plus, it is one of those places that many people assume or forget to clean regularly giving mold enough time to grow. Either your holder is glass or ceramic, that convenient spot you choose to put your toothbrush is one of the surprising habitats for mold. The water that drips from your toothbrush into the container creates a place mold thrives more and easily. To prevent mold in a toothbrush holder, ensure that you wash with soap and the underside as well. Also, rinse and dry the interior as often too.
2. Ceiling tiles
Although your ceiling tiles look good from far, they may be already having mold. Because ducts and pipes are up in the space above the dropped ceiling. Whereby, the area is a magnet for dust, mold, and moisture. Besides, tiles that are located near HVAC vents are especially susceptible to mold as moist air often circulates there. So ensure that you inspect or get AWA environmental Texas mold inspection services to sort out any mold issues in your ceiling tiles as fast as you can before it spreads out of control.
3. Under the sink
Under most sinks, either it is a kitchen sink or a bathroom sink, the environment that is warm, moist, and dark helps mold thrive. Hence, it is best to check these areas for condensation from plumbing leaks in case you spot any mold. Also, once you clear any mold that was present. It is vital to clean the interior of the cabinet with bleach to help stop any further mold from growing. Use hydrogen peroxide cleaning solutions as they can easily stop mold growth.
4. In filing cabinets
Filing cabinets are full of papers that are made from wood pulp. Therefore, they are an ideal place for mold spores to dwell. In most cases, paper files become damp especially in a home that experiences high humidity. Once the paper has mold feeding frenzy in it, it is almost impossible to stop permanent damage to any important files you had stored in the cabinet. For this reason, it is best to prevent any mold from getting to your filing cabinet to help safeguard your important files. Other than storing files in the cabinets, other places where it is safe not to store files are in damp boxes, basement, and attics. It is important then, to use a dehumidifier in your home office in months when the humidity is high.
5. In toys
Small kids tend to put everything they can grab in their mouths. While the toys they play with every single day are not as safe from mold spores. They can get pretty dirty and slobbery. This includes hard latex toys that easily accumulate moisture and bacteria making them potential places for mold to grow. The mold can be on toys and not just in them. This can be harmful to your child, as they put it the toys in their mouth continuously. Wash your child’s toys regularly through the washing machine and in this way you will keep mold away from the toys.
6. Beneath the wallpaper
The mold that is below the wallpaper is a tricky thing. Since in many cases you cannot see it, or assume it is not there. Also, as it is out of sight, it can spread quickly around your wall. Other similar places that it can hide are at the backside of the wallboard and also under the paneling. So in case of a musty smell, or you see your wallpaper cracking form the paint underneath, it is a sign that there is mold beneath. Wipe down your walls often and check the seams between floors and ceilings for possible signs of mold. Do this before you install new wallpaper or paint your wall.
7. Around water heaters and boilers
Although the water heaters and boilers have drains that will help remove excess condensation when it builds up during the operation. The drains, in some instances, get rusted or clogged and in this way, the liquid will not get out well. Creating a good environment for mold to grow on the floors, walls, and also around the malfunctioning unit. It is important, therefore, that you clean and also inspect the HVAC unit drains often to ensure they work well. Plus, run a dehumidifier to control the moisture it collects.
8. On carpets and upholstery
If you have upholstery, drapes, and wall to wall carpeting. It is vital that you clean them often or you will end up with a lot of mold spores. All these trap a lot of dirt, moisture, and dust that attract mold spores. After having all these, adding a spill will create an ideal breeding ground for mold. Therefore, to reduce infestation it is best to vacuum often, use mold inhibiting solution to clean and also hang upholstery or carpets to dry after a spill.
All in all, the above are not the only surprising places that mold loves to hide. Other places like in your car, pipes, and ductwork are others that you can find mold as well. Wherever mold can find moisture, dark, and damp places, it will live and grow. Therefore, you need to clean wet spots and have regular thorough cleaning around different parts of your home to keep it off completely.