Mold is a very common problem in homes today because mold spores are everywhere. They travel through the air looking for a damp place to settle and grow. Once they find a place, they start colonizing and giving off toxins that can make you sick. That is why mold detection in so important in every room of your home.
Here is a room-by-room guide of the most common places mold will take up residence in your home. Look for cottony patches or discoloration on surfaces. It can be any color, white, black, brown, gray, green, pink or even blue.
Let's start in the kitchen, one of mold's favorite places! The kitchen is full of dark, damp places that are hospitable to mold because of all the water lines and the possibility of leaks. The first place to look is under the sink and on the inside walls of the sink cabinet. Small leaks can go undetected in this area making it a great breeding area for the mold.
Appliances can also harbor mold. Just think about what grows on food you forgot about on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator! Two places that are often overlooked for mold detection are the drain pan under the refrigerator and the icemaker. Mold inside ice cubes is a real turn off, so check the icemaker itself and the hoses behind the refrigerator. If you have a filter for the icemaker, check that also.
Finally, check the dishwasher, especially around the bottom drain and the inside of the door. Mold can grow on the gasket and along the top and bottom edges of the door. Any appliance that uses water is also a potential harbor for mold. This even applies to small items such as coffeemakers. Make sure to check inside the water reservoir.
The most common place for mold to grow is in the bathroom. Mold loves warm, humid places with lots of water! Begin looking in the bathtub or shower, as this is usually the first place mold will take up residence. Make sure to check from the floor to the ceiling. Next check under sinks and behind the toilet, any place water leaks or drips. If there is a window in the bathroom, be sure to check all around the window and the windowsill.
Next, move on to the laundry. This one is tough because you need to get behind the washing machine. Make sure there are no leaks, especially in the area where you turn the water on and off. These valves will often leak and encourage mold. Another place mold can grow is inside the washing machine. If there is a lint catcher, open it up and clean it out. Also check around the bleach and fabric softener dispensers. In a front-loading machine, check all around the gasket. Then make a final inspection of the room including the ceiling area, baseboards and corners.
Mold detection in the rest of the house will be easier. In the other rooms, start from the ceiling and work down. For some reason mold really loves to grow on and under ceiling tiles so make sure you check for any discoloration. Then check along the walls, baseboards and any place that may be dark and damp. Look at the carpet for any discoloration or water spots that may harbor mold. Make sure to check under beds and other furniture, especially in humid areas.
Windows are famous for encouraging mold growth because of condensation. Check all around the window area, the windowsill, and the window tracks. If you have a fireplace, check for any hidden leaks or damp areas.
Now that you have gone through the house it is time to check attics and basements, if you have them. These areas are notorious for mold growth. Remember to look for any sign of water damage, leaks, discolored areas, or cottony patches growing on surfaces. Check around all vents or other openings. Bring a flashlight with you to check all the nooks and crannies.
Although this may sound daunting, it really does not take that much time. The benefits of early mold detection certainly outweigh the consequences. Living in a mold-infested home may result in mold allergy symptoms such as wheezing, sinusitis, and even skin rashes.
Keep in mind that mold has a distinctive musty or earthy smell. This smell alerts you that mold is growing somewhere. If you cannot find it, you may have hidden mold. Mold can grow behind walls, wallpaper, and ceilings. If that is the case you may need to use a mold test kit or hire a professional mold inspector.
No comments:
Post a Comment