All areas of the home are susceptible to mold growth because mold spores are practically everywhere. They come in on the shoes and clothing of people entering and leaving the house, but they don’t have to turn into a problem mold situation. As long as the resident of the home is diligent, they can keep the mold at bay. Looking for and removing moisture is the key to diligence. Here are five places to look at.
Susceptible to Mold Growth in Areas of Moisture or Humidity
Bathroom
This may seem obvious, but moisture and warmth are the perfect combos for a mold invasion. Where can you find that more than anywhere else in the home? The bathroom! In the shower and sink, mold thrives around grout and fixtures. Toilets can also harbor mold within the bowl or the tank. Anything that is a holder for wet devices such as a toothbrush holder is susceptible to mold growth. How can you prevent mold in the bathroom? Proper ventilation is the first step. If you don’t have a working fan in the bathroom, it’s time to invest in one. Otherwise, removing moisture is key, so keep it dry, and don’t forget to check under the sink.
Basement
If your basement is unfinished, then it is a constant temptation for mold to enter. Cold (but not cold enough) and damp basements are often out of sight and out of mind. This means that mold has the potential to grow undisturbed for a long period of time. If your furnace is in the basement, it may help to spread mold spores throughout the home.
This could, of course, also be a sign that something in your furnace isn’t quite working as it should, so you may wish to contact someone like barnettelectrical.com/oklahoma-city-furnace-repair/ to come out and see to any repair work that needs doing. That said, homeowners should know most furnace repairs are required because of the lack of regular cleaning, resulting in its malfunction. Usually, a furnace that runs on natural gas requires frequent cleaning because natural gas is infamous for leaving behind residues that can generate an unsurmountable amount of dirt. In contrast, heating oil tends to be a better and more affordable alternative (learn more about heating with oil vs. natural gas by checking out resourceful blog posts on the Web). So, it would be a wise idea to make the switch to heating oil. Needless to say, homeowners still need to get their heating appliances cleaned even if they are using heating oil. Although it does not generate residues as much and as frequently as natural gas, it might still leave behind dirt, which when not taken care of at regular intervals, can accumulate and make the furnace malfunction.
Anyway, besides heating appliances, windows may also have condensation around them. If your basement smells…like a basement, then you need to get the moisture out. Dehumidifiers and proper ventilation are a start. Sealing concrete also helps.
Attic
The attic is another hidden rendezvous point for mold. It’s warm, insulated, yet prone to let in moisture if not kept up properly. Any roof leaks should be taken care of immediately, and insulation should be mold resistant. Nothing should be vented into the attic, as all venting should extend outside of the home.
Kitchen
A kitchen is like a bathroom in that there is a sink that introduces constant moisture into the room. That window above the sink is also a common culprit. This is because moisture condenses on the window sill. Avoiding standing water for any length of time and properly ventilating this area is a good way to prevent mold growth.
Fireplace
One place you may not have thought of mold growing is up to the chimney. When it is not in use, moisture enters and thrives in the brick landscape. The best way to prevent this is to have your chimney cleaned by a professional. You aren’t likely to go poking your own head up there to clean it out.