Sneaky Mould: 4 Surprising Places Where Mould Loves To Hide

The majority of homeowners understand the risk of mould developing behind and on drywall after a huge rainstorm comes in and floods the basement or after a plumbing pipe busts. However, mould can be sneakier than that and hide in a number of places that you probably would have never thought of. Mould needs a damp environment in order to thrive. Here are four unexpected areas in the home where a mould inspection needs to be done:

Brick Chimneys

The crevices of your brick chimney collects a lot of dirt, water and other debris. Eventually, the chimney caps will become rusted and the flashing may come loose. This allows snow and rain to enter into the home, which encourages the growth of mould.

You can combat this by making sure that all flashing is secure and chimney caps are replaced before they get too rusty. A chimney cleaning is also crucial because this will remove any mould that has started to grow while also removing dangerous creosote buildup.

Refrigerator Drip Pans

You probably don't give much attention to the drip pans of your refrigerator, but this is an area that could be housing mould. This is because the drip pans collect food spills and moisture, which creates the absolutely ideal environment for mould.

When you conduct your annual spring clean, it is crucial that you clean your drip pans. Use white vinegar or a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Don't forget to wipe clean the floor directly beneath the drip pan.

Infrequently Used Dishes

Believe it or not, semi-wet dishes that you store in your cabinets can create the perfect environment for the growth of mould. If you use these dishes on a regular basis, then you may not have an issue. However, if you don't use them except for large family gatherings or holidays, then you may find some mould on them the next time you take them down.

If you find mouldy dishes, get them in the dishwasher immediately. Use a vinegar and water solution to wipe down the cabinets. This time and for any future uses of these dishes, make sure you dry them thoroughly before you put them back into the cabinets.

Front-Loading Washing Machines

There is a gasket around the door of these washing machines and it is almost always wet. One of the primary reasons for this is because the door remains closed even when the washing machine is not being used. This damp environment is ideal for the growth of mould.

To help prevent the growth of mould in your washing machine, you should always have a dry rag handy to wipe the glass and gasket dry before closing the door. If you ever see mould, you can run an empty load with hot water and bleach to kill the fungi.

Whether you have mould in the home from a flood or something else entirely, it's important that the mould be removed immediately.


Share