Mold isn’t always subtle, but when it is it can be an absolute nightmare. It can haunt you from the dark, damp corners of your home, causing nothing but nose-wrinkling, sneeze-inducing hassle. You might think the only area you have to worry about finding mold and mildew in is your bathroom, but unfortunately that’s not the case.
There are numerous other places where mold, that dark and demanding fungus, likes to hide. We’re here to list these places for you so you can make sure to check them regularly for telltale mildew-signaling spores and, with luck, keep those spores from spreading.
Washing Machine’s Door
Mold targets front loading washing machines especially, since the rubber gasket around the door frequently stays wet since it’s enclosed when not in use. With a little lint added to the equation, mold and mildew have a perfect breeding ground. Give the gasket and the glass window a wipe down with a dry cloth or towel after every use to keep mold from growing there.
Coffee Maker
According to NSF International, half of the coffeepots swabbed in recent study tested positive for mold. Here’s a cool tip: once monthly fill the pot up with water and add two denture tablets. Give them time to dissolve and work their magic before washing them out. The peroxide and bleach contained within these tablets will help to clean away the grime better than any regular wipe down could.
Leather Car Seats
Mold loves leather, and car seats see a lot of other things that mold enjoys, including moisture, organic waste, changing temperatures, and stagnant air. A leather car seat can see mold grow after just a bit of water gets on the seat of a car. The best way to avoid mold growth on car seats is by installing ventilation to keep air in your car from becoming stagnant.
Chimneys
The crevices between bricks in chimneys are magnets for moisture and dirt, two of mold’s favorite things. An easy way to tell if your chimney is likely to develop mold is by checking your chimney cap. If it’s especially rusted, it’s likely letting in moisture that can lead to mold growth. Check for any mold that’s already made camp, clean it out, and then replace your chimney cap to avoid future problems.
Kitchen Sponges
This one is more obvious, but we recommend replacing your kitchen sponges at least twice as often as you already do. More likely than not, you’re not replacing them frequently enough to spurn potential mold growth.
Window Seals
Even the best of seals can’t keep your windows completely moisture free. With a little dirt and dust added to the mix, suddenly mold multiplies. After heavy rains, wipe underneath the sashes and sills of your windows to eliminate opportunity for mold to grow. If it’s growing despite those efforts, it might be time to look into window replacement.
Kitchen Cabinets
We don’t mean the cabinets themselves, but we do mean what tends to be left in them: dishes. You store dishes in your cabinets and sometimes they’re not completely dry after being washed. Since cabinets are dark and enclosed, that added moisture makes for a perfect breeding ground for mischievous mold. Double-check dishes after pulling them out of your cupboards before use and give them an extra wipe down before putting them away.
Have you uncovered a plumbing problem in your quest for mold eradication? Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can help! Our punctual plumbers are available 24/7 to help you with plumbing repair, emergency plumbing and more. Give us a call today to learn more or to schedule a service!
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