Responsible homeowners must keep an eye out for many problems, including black mold. This problem poses a serious threat to your health if left unchecked. Black mold can cause respiratory problems and other health issues, so you need to know where to look for it and how to get rid of it. Below, we identify four places to spot black mold in your home and provide useful tips to keep you and your family healthy.
Steamy Bathrooms
The first place to look for black mold is in your bathroom. The moisture and warmth from your shower, tub, or sink make it a perfect breeding ground for mold. Look for black mold in the corners of the shower or tub, in the grout, or around the sink. If you find it, use a mold removal spray or a vinegar and water solution to clean it up.
Wet Kitchens
The next place to check for black mold is in the kitchen. Like the bathroom, the kitchen is another damp place in your home. Steam from cooking, washing dishes, and cleaning can settle on various surfaces and encourage mold growth. The refrigerator is a likely place for mold growth as well, especially if you don’t clean it regularly. Check the seals, back, and gaskets of your refrigerator to see if there’s any black mold. If you find it, wipe it down with a mixture of water and bleach. Extreme mold may require professional repair or a new appliance.
Dark Basements
Black mold also loves to grow in basements. Basements are often damp and dark with little temperature control, which can lead to high humidity levels. If you have a leak in your basement, this can exacerbate the problem and promote mold growth. Check any damp corners or walls for mold and use baking soda or a water and vinegar solution to remove it.
Fluctuating Attics
Like basements, attics often have little temperature control, which can lead to moisture buildup. Even if there’s some ventilation, like windows, the fluctuating temperatures between hot summers and cold winters can encourage mold. Check for mold growth in any corners of your attic, especially in the insulation and around any windows. If you find it, contact a professional mold removal service to take care of it. These fluctuating temperatures can be a cause of black mold on your windows, and it may even require a full window replacement.
You need to know where black mold can grow so that you can maintain a healthy home. Stay proactive in protecting your home and health by memorizing the four places to spot black mold. Check these spots regularly, especially in damp weather, to nip any mold problems in the bud.
