Where to Look for Mold in Your Home

8/15/2018 (Permalink)

If you find or suspect mold growth in your kitchen, call SERVPRO of North Hollywood right away.

According to the documentary film Moldy, more than half of U.S. homes have a mold problem. While homeowners often know they need mold remediation following flooding and water damage caused by water leaks, burst pipes, sewage backups or storms, many don't realize mold can still be found in your home without a precipitating disaster.

In fact, many homeowners are unaware that mold could be present even if there are no obvious signs such as visible staining or a musty odor. So here are a few places you should look for mold in your home, even when you don't see or smell it.

Window Sills and Trim

Aside from a dusting during spring cleaning, you probably don't pay much attention to your window sills and trim. They are, however, prime areas for capturing moisture, particularly if your home has central heating and air conditioning. When the temperature indoors is significantly higher or lower than it is outdoors, condensation can build up on your windows. Mold can grow on your window sills and trim if this moisture leaks on to or soaks into them.

While it might be tempting to try and resolve the problem yourself, say with bleach (don't), keep in mind that mold can also find its way into and behind wallpaper and walls, and the cracks around a window's trim present a golden opportunity for mold to spread to where it can't be easily wiped away.

If you discover mold around your windows, give SERVPRO of North Hollywood a call so we can inspect and assess the damage right away.

Washing Machines and Refrigerators

Both of these household appliances are notorious for providing the perfect conditions for mold growth. In particular, front-loading washers, especially older models, have a gasket around the door that gets wet when in use and then stays wet because the door is usually closed (and sealed) when not in use.

Likewise, refrigerators feature drip pans to collect condensation from the unit. If bits of food also drop into the pan, the underside of your refrigerator becomes an all-you-can eat buffet for mold spores.

While discovering mold in these specific areas may not require professional mold remediation, it is important the affected areas be properly cleaned and treated to prevent mold spores from spreading into other areas of your home.

HVAC System

Many Los Angeles area homes feature central heating and air conditioning and your HVAC system is another important place to inspect for signs of mold. If your air conditioning unit is not draining properly, not only can it cause water damage, it can also create the conditions for mold growth. Or if mold is present in your air ducts, use of your AC or heating system can then spread mold spores throughout your home.

Having your HVAC system routinely inspected and professionally cleaned can not only improve air quality and prevent the spread of mold but can also save you money by extending the life of the equipment.

In short, mold growth can be a serious concern for homeowners, even if you're unaware of its presence. If you discover mold or otherwise suspect mold growth in your home, don't wait for the problem to get worse.

Get help from SERVPRO of North Hollywood and let our certified restoration team take care of you. We specialize in water and mold damage remediation and have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold problem.