Where to Check for Mold

An uninvited guest has taken up residence in your home and you probably don’t even know it. No, it’s not Aunt Edna or that pesky neighbor you can’t seem to shake, it’s mold. Mold can grow just about anywhere where moisture resides, including places you can’t see, can’t easily reach, or don’t include in your cleaning regimen. In addition to being unsightly, mold can cause and exacerbate respiratory issues, especially among people already dealing with allergy and asthma issues. Wondering where mold might be lurking in your home? Read on to find out.

Under Sinks – Mold loves warm, dark, and damp spaces like under your kitchen and bathroom sink. Check for signs of plumbing leaks and moisture and repair immediately to prevent mold growth.

Soap Dish and Toothbrush Holder – Rinse and dry your soap dish and toothbrush holder regularly to prevent water from accumulating.

Filing Cabinets – If filing cabinets (and enclosed paper documents) have fallen victim to water damage or high levels of humidity, you’ll be hard-pressed to undo the damage. So, before trouble happens, run a dehumidifier in your home office or anywhere paper documents are stored, and store important documents in plastic, air-tight organizers.

Toys – Babies and toddlers are notorious for putting toys in their mouths. Toss plastic and latex toys in the top rack of the dishwasher, then let them air dry to prevent bacteria and mold growth.

Appliance Seals and Drip Pans – Thoroughly clean and dry appliance seals, coils, and drip pan routinely.

Floor Mats – Rain, snow, and sleet, oh my! Think of all that trapped moisture in and under your welcome mat. Remove the mat from the doorstep, rinse it, and let it air dry before putting it back in place.

Ductwork and Plumbing – Repair leaks right away and runs a dehumidifier during warm weather months to keep relative humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent.

Water Heaters and Boilers – If your boiler or water heater has a removable drain for condensation and moisture, inspect it and clean the drains regularly.

Potted Plants – Over-watering your potted plants not only can encourage root rot, but the excess moisture can cause mold to grow on the surface of the soil.

Here at Bob Boldt HVAC there are two ways we can help. First, a whole-house dehumidifier can do much more than make your surroundings more comfortable. It can help keep relative humidity within the recommended range of relative humidity: 30% – 50%. We also can replace your aging AC system with a new and more dependable model. The older a system gets, the less humidity it can remove from your home. Contact Bob Boldt HVAC today for the help you need to stop mold growth before it starts.