Common places to find mold in a home

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Bathrooms

Your shower, toilet, and sink are some of the most common locations for mold and mildew. These areas have a lot of moisture sources and can quickly become mold infested. You may see traces on the shower curtain, as well as behind the sink or toilet.

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How To Keep Mold Out Of Bathrooms

Whenever water has dripped on the floor of the bathroom, dry the surface as soon as possible. You will also want to run the bathroom ventilation fan to pull moisture from the area. It is recommended you leave the fan on for 20 minutes after a shower/steam. If you find that you are getting mold/mildew in your bathroom you may want to check your exhaust fan and make sure it is functioning properly.

Kitchen

Between water from the sink and organic matter from food, mold has plenty of chances to grow in a kitchen. Puddles left from the faucet are common sources of mold, and many homeowners find mold growing underneath the sink. Your garbage disposal elbow joint can easily become loose under your sink and leak. It is recommended that you check under your sink frequently.

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How To Control Mold In Kitchens

Mold needs moisture to grow. Keeping your kitchen area dry will help to control the mold. You can also use a mold-resistant paint on the walls and avoid having carpets and rugs on the kitchen floor, especially in front of the sink.

Laundry Rooms

The washing machine and sink create moisture that can cause mold in the laundry room, and wet clothes often contribute to the overall wetness of the area. Even running your dryer with the laundry door closed can lead to high humidity levels in the room. Laundry rooms are often considered a clean space, but when the relative humidity is too high, mold is often a problem.

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How To Prevent Mold In Laundry Rooms

Avoid large piles of wet laundry and you will help in reducing the chances of mold in your laundry room. Maintain your washer and dryer for optimal performance. Be sure to clean any spills and drips as quickly as possible.

You can also check under the washing machine to ensure there are no leaks. Regularly clean the appliances to remove excess moisture and grime, which will reduce the chances of a mold infestation.

Windowsills

When it rains, windowsills can collect moisture, creating the perfect location for a colony of mold. This mold might not stop on the windowsill. In some cases, it could find its way to the structural lumber and building materials behind the window, causing significant damage.

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How To Prevent Mold On Windowsills

Make sure the windowsill is dry after a rainstorm and you will do a lot to prevent mold growth. Keep the windows completely shut to ensure rain can’t work its way inside. This will reduce the chances of water damage and mold. Consider cleaning the windows once a year to prevent significant growth of mold and mildew.

Garage

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Even if your garage is closed from the elements all day and night, water from your vehicle can drip to the floor, creating open puddles and giving mold a fresh opportunity. Rainwater from a vehicle, as well as water leaks, invite mold into your garage, and if your garage is cluttered with storage, you may find mold in a few surprising places.

How To Manage Mold In Garages

Mold can be prevented in your garage by constantly checking behind stored items, cleaning and sweeping the floor regularly, maintaining ventilation during dry days, and ensuring puddles of water are removed quickly.

Mold is not shy; it can creep up in some of the most obvious places. Basic home maintenance can help in alleviating what could potentially be a mold disaster.