What is mould, and how does it affect your health? Mould is a type of fungus that grows on surfaces and, while it may not be visible at first, can cause breathing issues with microscopic spores floating in the air. Even if you don’t have allergies, mould still poses health risks and should be checked for and treated regularly in your home.
Where should you check for mould?
The presence of moisture is a key factor in mould growth. All it needs is a surface to grow on, oxygen, warmth and darkness. With this in mind, the common areas to look are those with a higher level of humidity and exposure to moisture.
Bathrooms & Toilet
The warm, wet environment of the bathroom is a perfect location for mould growth. Shower tiles are usually the first places where mould is found due to water pooling and limited ventilation. Don’t forget to also check under shampoo bottles and the hem and back of shower curtains. Similarly, bathtubs, sinks and basins can harbour mould in the seals and grout. Other places include toothbrush holders, behind toilets, storage cupboards under the sink, bathmats, and other cleaning tools such as the toilet brush and caddy.
Kitchen
Another area in your home where moisture lingers is in the kitchen. The obvious place to start is the kitchen sink and its surroundings. However, many spots to check for mould, again, includes:
- the storage spaces beneath the sink
- inside the disposer
- wet sponges and brushes
- as well as kitchen towels and mats.
In addition, chopping boards and rubbish bins are also popular locations for mould to spore.
Next, check your appliances in the kitchen. Drip trays in fridges are perfect breeding grounds for mould growth. Microwaves and stoves can also harbour mould if not kept clean and dry. Do you have old forgotten food in your pantry? Mould loves to grow on food, too, so check your pantry regularly and clear out anything unneeded to keep the space airy, dry, and free of old or open food packets.
Other living areas & bedrooms
Although these areas don’t offer water access, this doesn’t mean that mould cannot grow. Check your window sills as rain can come through, as well as curtains in your living room. As for bedrooms, fabrics and mattresses are prime targets for mould if any dampness is present. Other places to check are air conditioning vents and ducts, laundry areas, walls and doorframes, and indoor pot plants.
Keeping your home ventilated and dry will significantly reduce mould occurrence. However, at times a stubborn mould growth can indicate an undetected leak. As pipes and plumbing are hidden underground or behind walls, a leak will not be visible until we notice patches of mould. If you suspect a leak, it is worth investigating before it causes extensive damage. A professional leak detection specialist will be able to help pinpoint the leak for repair or replacement.
Wild Water Plumbing Plumbers Northern Beaches offer leak detection and mould removal service at an affordable upfront price to the local North Shore and Northern Beaches community. We use the latest detection equipment to ensure minimal disruption, and our team of fully licensed professionals always put the customer first.
Get in touch today.
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