What is mold, and why should we check our home for it? By definition, mold is a type of fungus that spreads microscopic spores in areas with moisture and can be airborne. After a while, these spores begin to grow on surfaces and become apparent to the naked eye. Mold can have medical inclinations and trigger them, such as asthma, allergies, COPD, and other lung conditions. Mold is no laughing matter and should be taken seriously; that is why American Restoration Water & Fire has come up with a list of places for you to check periodically throughout the year in your home.
Every home has everything that mold needs to grow and thrive: a surface to grow on, warmth, oxygen, and darkness. Moisture can come from your shower, the tub, the sinks throughout your home, a water break, and humidity. Knowing where to find the mold is half the battle. Mold has many different colors: white, black, green, brown, yellow, and blue. If you see any of these, be sure to contact a mold removal company to take care of it professionally.
In The Bathroom:
Shower & Tub:
Check the sealant inside and outside the tub for any discoloration.
Check your tile grout for patches of discoloration.
If you have a shower curtain, check that as well.
Sink & Toilet:
Check behind your faucet in one of the more commonly missed places for cleaning and the surface of your sink as well.
Check all around the bottom of your toilet and the inside rim of it as well. Be sure that you are using bleach-based cleaners when you clean your shower, tub, and toilet. This prevents further mold growth and kills it before it becomes a problem.
The Walls:
The bathroom is repeatedly the room in your home that fluctuates in humidity and cool air. Check the corners of your bathroom walls where they meet the ceiling and look for any discoloration.
The Kitchen:
The Sink & Dishwasher:
Check all around your sink and under it as well.
Your dishwasher drains into the pipe under your sink, so check that there are no leaks on the bottom of the cabinet under the pipes where mold could easily grow.
Check under your dishwasher for the presence of water. If you notice water, it’s likely been doing that a while and will need a more extensive look.
The Windows:
Windows collect condensation when there is humidity and being exposed to two different temperatures: the inside temperature of your home and the outside temperature. Over time, the condensation can begin to grow these mold spores, and it can become a bigger issue the longer it sits. Make sure to reseal all the windows, interior, and exterior.
Indoor Plants:
Indoor Plants? Yup! They are always getting water, and the soil can easily grow mold if given too much. Make sure your soil is clear, and the plant itself isn’t harboring any mold.
The Roof and Attic:
Begin by checking your roof for any notable water damage. Note the area and check your attic for the extent of the damage.
Homeownership is no easy task, but we take steps to ensure we live long happy, and healthy lives. For water damage repair or mold removal, call American Restoration Water & Fire and our knowledgeable and professional team of technicians will come out and get it taken care of!
Most Common Places to Check for Mold in a Home
