Mold is present in many homes, but there are unexpected places that it hides that most people are not aware that it does. Because of its sneaky nature, you need to check in these places that mold thrives and why. It is usual when you find mold in a damp basement, but when it hides in an unusual place, it is hard to detect it and also get rid of it. In such cases, it is best to call in the mold inspection New York professionals who have specialized in mold inspecting and removal. Here are 6 unusual places to find mold and how to wipe it out.
1. Chimneys
Chimneys are one unusual place people will look for mold or think of it as a mold-prone area. Mold is here because the crevices collect dirt, water and, other debris. Hence mold will grow here with ease. Also, faulty flashing and chimney caps with rust that let in snow and rain encourage mold to grow in your chimney. To wipe it out by first changing the rusted caps and fixing the flashing. After that, contact the chimney sweep for proper cleaning of your chimney. In this way, not only will they remove mold, but it will keep your chimney free from creosote, and it will start operating more efficiently.
2. Front loading washing machines
Many people are shocked when they learn that their washing machine could have mold. Why mold grows there and where exactly are common questions. On a front-loading washing machine, there is a gasket around the door that is always wet because when the machine is not in use, the door remains closed. When lint is present with this moisture, the mold feeds on it and multiplies. It is easy to wipe it out and prevent further mold from forming by wiping the gasket and glass after use and ensuring it’s dry before you shut the door. Also, to kill this fungus, run a hot water wash with chlorine bleach when there are no clothes inside.
3. Dishes
All mold needs to grow is a perfect environment. Hence, if you stack dishes that you do not use every day when they are a little wet and cruddy, you invite mold to these dishes. Also, if you leave them dirty every day and piled up at the sink, you invite mold. To wipe this out is easy. Always clean as you cook or after every meal, dry dishes before you store them, and wipe the cabinets as often before you store the dishes.
4. Refrigerator drip pans
This is another unusual place that most people rarely notice. It is under your fridge, and it collects moisture and food spills creating an ideal place for mold to grow. To get rid of mold in this area, clean the drip pans at often as you can. Use hydrogen peroxide solution to spray the pan, wipe with a cloth soaked in white vinegar, and do not forget to clean the floor beneath the pan.
5. Window sills and sashes
A lot of condensation collects around windows, and it provides moisture that mold loves while the dirt and dust on the sashes and seals supply the food. Therefore, after heavy rains, open your windows and wipe any water from the window sills and sashes. Where the seals between panes are not functioning, replace or repair the window sashes to prevent condensation. Thus, have a ritual of cleaning windows as this deprives mold of food.
6. Air conditioners
Since air conditioners trap pollen and dust and get moisture from the air, mold grows there with ease. Also, if you have warm weather and you do not run your AC unit every 24 hours, humidity in your house climbs in, and mold will grow in the drain pans, AC ducts, and on coils. In this case, contact a mold remediation professional to come and clean out the system as most people do not know their way around the AC. After this, practice prevention as it is the best way to get rid of mold. So, run your AC for a few minutes every day to keep air circulating and ensure humidity in your home is below 55%.
