Mold isn’t just a nuisance or an eyesore. For the many individuals sensitive to mold, it can be a serious health hazard. Mold grows quickly in the right environment when it’s unattended, so locating and eradicating mold as early as possible can significantly reduce the cost and hassle of removal. Inspect your home regularly in the following areas for signs of mold growth. If you find any, contact a professional, such as RestorePro, for mold remediation right away.
Areas to Check for Mold Growth
- Kitchen Surfaces: This is especially true around your sink. Clean dirty dishes as soon as possible, and put them away as soon as they’re dry. Dry your sink out with a clean cloth when you’re finished, as well as picking up any areas where splashes occurred. Completely wring out any wet sponges or rags and leave them to air dry.
- In the Fridge: Everyone is guilty of leaving leftovers in their fridge, only to forget about them. If you frequently find foil-covered surprises in your fridge, it’s a good idea to implement a habit of cleaning out your entire fridge before or on garbage day, including tossing out all leftovers and takeout containers. Wipe down the interior of your fridge at least once a month with a disinfectant cleaner, including the shelves and drawers.
- Underneath Sinks: Both kitchen and bathroom sinks can be vulnerable to mold growth, especially in the area underneath, where it’s usually dark and moist. Keep your sink area clear, clean, and dried off after each time you use it, and inspect around the faucet from time to time to identify any sign of mold. Look underneath the sink and pull out any cleaners or other items you might be storing there to get a good look underneath. Identify any leaky pipes ASAP and have them fixed.
- Behind the Toilet: This often-overlooked area can often harbor hidden mold growth. Ensure that you clean not only the inside of your toilet but the outside thoroughly at least once a week with a bleach-based cleaner. If you notice excessive moisture gathering in the area behind your toilet, lower the humidity in the room by running the overhead vent fan whenever you’re there.
- In the Shower: Regular cleaning can greatly reduce the risk of mold growth on your shower walls or fixtures, but it can creep up in other sneaky ways. Your shower curtain, for example, could be hiding mold growth, and needs to be laundered on a regular basis. Also avoid leaving wet washcloths or towels in your shower, as these can harbor not only mold but bacteria.
- Water-Damaged Areas: Areas that have previously sustained water damage are vulnerable to mold growth if they are not thoroughly treated. That’s why it’s important to have a professional water damage company, such as RestorePro, perform the restoration.
Maintenance Tips
- Be sure to dry off any areas that you use on a regular basis, such as the counter space around your sink or your bathroom floor. Don’t leave standing water, even if it’s just a small amount, sitting out for long anywhere in your home.
- Invest in a dehumidifier and run it either during the warmer months or all-year -round, especially on the lower level of your home.
- Inspect your pipes for leaks on a regular basis and have any you find corrected right away.
- Have any signs of water damage, such as water spots on your ceiling, inspected by a professional immediately.
If there’s evidence of mold growth in your home, it’s best to have it treated right away. The professional mold remediation team at RestorePro has the equipment and experience to fully eradicate mold infestations, preventing reoccurrences and eliminating mold permanently. Contact us today at 1-800-847-0114 to schedule an appointment. For more information about mold remediation, water damage restoration, and the other services RestorePro offers, as well as helpful tips for prevention, visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RestorePro911/.
