Kitchen and Bathroom Mold: When It Becomes a Problem

mold

Small mold problems in the kitchen and bathroom areas are common because of the high amount of water usage.

Bathrooms

#1 Surface Mold in the Bathroom:

Bathroom mold is extremely common and found in practically every household. From the small corners of your tub or shower, around the sink fixture, and sometimes even on the ceiling. These types of mold are generally surface mold and are easily cleaned up. The key in preventing it from becoming a major problem is keeping the prone areas cleaned on a regular basis.

Bathtubs and showers stay damp after use and in some households they are used at all hours of the day, which increases the moisture in the air and on surfaces. It is an ideal environment for mold to grow.

#2 Low-quality Plastic Attracts Mold:

The materials used in plumbing including the pipes and fixtures range in quality. Oftentimes rental properties install plumbing and make repairs in the cheapest way possible. This is partially due to property owners not wanting to invest a lot and also because tenants place a lot of wear and tear on plumbing fixtures. The lower quality materials tend to be more porous and develop leaks. If mold goes uncleaned or undetected, it could result in the need for mold remediation.

#3 Improper Ventilation:

Bathrooms accumulate moisture from the frequent use and also because there are so many water connections. There is water running to and from the toilet, the sink, bathtub, shower stall, and sometimes even a laundry area. When you add condensation to the equation, you’ve got a welcoming environment for mold. Proper ventilation can help regulate the moisture levels. With the addition of fan systems and temperature controls the moisture can be prevented and dried out when needed.

Kitchen

#1 Food Mold:

Everyone has dealt with the moldy food container in the back of the fridge. It is an unfortunate yet common occurrence. The good thing about this type of mold is that is usually contained so it doesn’t spread quickly. However, those small food particles that are dropped in hard to reach areas like between the stove and countertop, or unknowingly kicked underneat the fridge can rapidly start the growth.

Mold thrives easily when there is a presence of moisture, food, and warmth, and a piece of food generally provides all three. The best way to prevent this is to clean up any dropped food as soon as possible and clean behind and underneath kitchen appliances on a regular basis.

#2 Check Under the Sinks:

Kitchen sinks get a lot of use and a lot of times small leaks occur and go undetected. With the constant temperature fluctuations of hot and cold water running through the plumbing pipes, materials can corrode and water can leak through the smallest pinhole. Get in the habits of checking underneath your kitchen (and bathroom) sinks routinely. If you notice any wet areas, leaking pipes, or musty odors make repairs as soon as possible.

#3 Be Wary of Musty Odors:

Small leaks can cause water damage to the cabinets underneath the sink but sometimes leaks occur behind the wall. If you notice musty odors, make the time to schedule an appointment for a mold inspection. It is frequently the unnoticed wet areas that breed mold the fastest.

Summary

Get in the habit of cleaning all surfaces in your kitchen and bathrooms at least once a week. When rugs become wet, toss them in a wash cycle to remove debris and dampness that can attract mold. If fabric items have gone unwashed for an extended period of time, replace them with new pieces. This is because mold cannot be completely cleaned from porous materials including carpets and area rugs.

Basic surface mold in the kitchen and bathroom areas can be cleaned up with standard store-bought mold removal cleaning agents. This will help prevent mold from growing out of hand, but until the real issue of moisture control or ventilation are addressed, it is merely a maintenance routine.