Mould is a fungus that grows naturally on many surfaces, including wood, paper, fabrics, metals, concrete, plaster, drywall, and even your skin. It is found everywhere but most commonly in moist, warm environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, attics, garages, sheds, barns, warehouses, and any area with moisture or humidity. The problem with mould is that it likes to reproduce quickly and can cause health problems if left unchecked.
We are aware that certain types of mould have the potential to make us unwell. We check for early mould symptoms in our bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces, and other wet, dark areas of our homes. Mould can be stealthy and appear in areas you might not expect to see. Let’s look at what you should look for in more unexpected places where mould spores can grow.
Kitchen
Water and unclean dark spaces in your kitchen are two factors that promote mould growth. Check the following locations to ensure that your kitchen does not become a breeding ground for mould spores.
- Refrigerator Drip Pans: Drip pans are easy to overlook because they are out of sight. Poor air circulation, moisture, and even food spills make them ideal hatching grounds for mould spores.
- Around the Dishwasher: Even a minor leak can cause a major mould issue, so if you see moisture around the dishwasher’s base, call for repairs.
- Under the Sink: While leaks from your water pipes or garbage disposal are more obvious, moisture from damp sponges can produce enough humidity for mould spores to take hold.
- Den/Living Room: We don’t normally think of the living room as an ideal location for mould to grow, but there are a few places you should look.
- Windowsills: The combination of humidity, poor air circulation, and debris can provide a breeding ground for mould if your windowsills are not cleaned regularly.
- Carpets: You might think that mould only grows in wet carpets, but moisture from concrete floors or wet crawl areas can seep into your carpet and foster mould growth.
- Chimney: Rain and snow might drip down the chimney if you have a fireplace. It is absorbed by the porous bricks and mortar and provides a breeding ground for mould, especially when not used.
Utility Area
These rooms are frequently small and lack natural light and ventilation, making them a favoured area for mould to thrive.
- Washing Machine — Front-loading, high-efficiency washers are fantastic, but they have a musty stench due to mould growth.
- Water Heater — Traditional tank water heaters are frequently installed in areas prone to mould formation, such as closets, attics, or utility rooms. Add drip pans or slow leaks to the mix, and you’ve got a formula for mould.
- Wallpaper — Although it may appear unusual, mould can grow beneath wallpaper in places with high humidity and poor air circulation. The easiest way to avoid mould growth is to replace wallpaper with mould-resistant paint.
Other Mouldy Spots
Mould growth can occur practically anywhere there is moisture and organic waste. If you still feel you have mould but can’t see it in the obvious spots, look at some less obvious ones.
Condensation strikes again!
- Window Air Conditioners – Window units draw in dirt and pollen from outside, providing mould with its preferred substrate. If your air conditioner is not used for an extended time, it is more prone to developing mould.
- Filing Cabinets – Because paper is created from wood pulp, it retains moisture for an extended period. If you reside in a humid climate, your paper files may become moist, providing mould with a dark spot to develop.
- Floor Mats – While mats are fantastic for eliminating mud and moisture from your shoes, they also provide an ideal environment for mould spores to thrive.
- Toothbrush Holder – A glass or ceramic holder is a handy place to keep your toothbrush. However, it is an ideal environment for mould, which thrives on the water that drops from the toothbrush into the container.
Do You Believe You Have Mould?
Perhaps one of your home’s rooms smells musty. Or perhaps you’ve noticed that you’ve been coughing and sneezing more than normal. Alternatively, you may notice white threads or black dots surrounding an old water stain. Finding mould in your home, regardless of how you discovered it, can be a distressing experience when you’re hesitant to try removing mould. DIY mould removal can be inefficient and even dangerous, but there are steps you can take to ensure that mould is eliminated swiftly and fully before it spreads.
Avoid Using a Fan
Although excellent ventilation can help decrease excess moisture and prevent mould from growing, once mould has appeared, you should not use a fan to dry the afflicted area. Moulds multiply through small spores, lightweight, that fly through the air. Turning on a fan in a mouldy area can help the mould spread to other areas of your home, causing even more damage. Limit your air conditioner’s use until the mould has been cleared. Mould spores can be distributed by your air conditioner and may even be present in its vents.
Do Not Attempt to Remove the Mould Yourself.
It is possible to cause more harm than good by trying to remove mould. Furthermore, you are unlikely to know what kind of mould you have, but most homeowners need to gain the essential skills, tools, and protective clothing to remove mould securely and entirely. The right approach to dealing with a mould problem is to contact a Reztor professional mould remediation specialist.
Keep People and Animals Away
Close the door to help prevent mould from spreading. Pets can inhale mould spores or ingest them, causing respiratory and intestinal issues. Mould spores can become caught on your pet’s coat or skin and unwittingly spread to other areas.
Looking for Mould? Contact the Experts!
There is no way to delay mould damage. If left unaddressed, it can cause major allergies in you, your family, and your pets. If you suspect you have mould, call Reztor Restoration right away. Call them at 1800 739 867 or book an appointment online, and one of their IICRC-certified professionals will assist you in getting your home back to normal as quickly as possible.
Finding mould in your home, regardless of how you discovered it, can be a distressing experience. On the other hand, DIY mould removal is virtually always useless and can even be deadly. Call the mould remediation experts at Reztor Restoration to make sure your mould problem is handled appropriately. We’ll seal off the mouldy areas, control the humidity, physically remove the mould, and clean it afterwards. When the job is over, we’ll ensure you understand what caused the mould and how to avoid it. Contact Reztor Restoration’s mould removal experts to learn more about our services and let us help you breathe easier again.