Usually, mold could be there where there’s moisture. We constantly hear that they grow in shower rooms, kitchens, walls, cabinets, attic spaces, and basements everywhere. However, did you know that you can find them in your home appliances, as well?
If you see dark spots in your dishwasher or refrigerator, it might be a sign. They usually hide in dark spaces of your appliances, specifically in the seals around the door. So, before trying any DIY cleaning solutions to eliminate mold, know which household appliances they can be hiding.
1. Water Heater
Homeowners usually keep their water heater in the closets or other darker spaces of their homes. When leaks happen, molds begin to grow. Sometimes, mold on the floors or walls around the water heater may also be the reason.
Ensure to clean or replace it to avoid the spread of mold and additional damage to building materials. If the main reason is mold on the wall or floor around it, attend to the problem. You can use many efficient homemade solutions, such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and so on. In case of severe mold, you may need the help of professionals. Learn more here about the mold removal process and other services you might need.
2. Washing Machines
Was there ever a time when you opened your front-loader and smelled a musty odor? Possibilities are molds that have invaded your washing machine. Its waterproof design makes the best surrounding for molds to grow and thrive if left untreated.
Regularly clean the gasket and detergent dispensers with warm soapy water to keep your clothes and machine smell fresh. Moreover, inspect the drum for possible mold development if the smell doesn’t disappear after cleaning.
3. Humidifiers
Even the latest models of humidifiers need regular cleaning to avoid mold formation. Each time you fill up, empty, and dry the base. Use vinegar to eliminate the scale and follow guidelines from the manual that comes with it on how to sanitize. Always remember to disinfect and descale before and after storage.
Be aware of the kind of water you use in your humidifier. Ideally, avoid tap water since its mineral deposits can serve as a food source for molds. When this occurs, they breed and contaminate the water, which can cause harm to your family.
4. Refrigerators
The most significant factor for mold growth in your fridge is rotting food. If only it’s as simple as tossing the food, and everything would be fine. However, mold can spread through the air and surface contact. So, if spores form on rotting leftover spaghetti, it can spread through air circulation and into the shelf it’s sitting on.
Apply a solution of one tbsp of baking soda to one quart of warm water. Clean the walls, ceilings, and the floor of your fridge, including the gaps of the gasket around the door. Also, eliminate or clean racks and bins. After cleaning, repeat the process with a clean, dry cloth, and rinse it hot to finish.
5. AC System Vents
You might not hear everything all the time, but molds can grow in air ducts, too. Check the inside of your vents for visible signs, or if you smell a moldy odor, it’s most likely that there’s a presence of mold. If you can not see or smell anything, you need to be alright.
If you want to ensure 100% of your family members’ safety, a reputable water damage restoration company will do a test for you. It’s always best to find one near you so that they can appear on your doorsteps in no time. Remember, mold is an urgent issue that needs a solution right away. If you’re from Ottawa, for instance, go online and search “mold inspection Ottawa” to narrow down your search.
