Mold: just the word evokes uncomfortable images of slimy, smelly, dark disaster. Even the most fastidious of homeowners will be forced to deal with this sneaky foe from time to time, and it’s never a pleasant experience. There are some places we all expect to combat mold: in a humid basement, for example, or behind drywall after a pipe bursts. But there are a number of unexpected places mold can flourish, too, and they might surprise you.
The best way to handle mold remediation in Village, VA is to find an experienced business that can detect and destroy it immediately. In the meantime, check these five unexpected places for mold and see if it’s been hiding in your home, and take the first steps to get rid of it.
- Window Seals
When you think about it, this spot really makes sense. After all, windows are subjected to rain, snow, condensation, sun, humidity, and all the other elements that we experience each year. Conditions are perfect for mold: moist and dirty. To fight mold growth here, wipe away moisture after a heavy rain or snow melt. Make sure to clean windows consistently so mold has no food (dirt) to sustain it.
- Refrigerator Drip Pans
This secret space is ideal for mold growth, and a large colony can develop before you even notice, thanks to the dusty, dark, wet environment. To prevent this, make sure to thoroughly clean your pan at least once a year, if not more. Spray the pan with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide per 1 cup of water, and then wipe it down with a white vinegar-soaked rag. Don’t neglect the floor underneath the pan.
- Chimneys
Chances are, you don’t inspect the interior of your chimney very much. Don’t worry, you aren’t alone: homeowners often overlook this space. Mold can collect here quite easily, thanks to rust, dirt, water, and debris buildup, which sticks to crevices in the bricks. This isn’t a job you can handle alone, so find a respectable chimney sweep. Also ask him to inspect the flashing and caps, and if they’re rusty, have them replaced.
- Front-Loading Washing Machines
In this scenario, the gasket that seals the door on your front-loading machine is the culprit. It takes a long time to dry, since we usually take out wet laundry and then shut the door immediately, effectively sealing in moisture. The fix for this is simple: just wipe dry the gasket and glass door before you shut it. If you take a look and see you already have mold here, run a hot wash cycle without clothing, and add some chlorine bleach to wipe out the colony.
Regular housecleaning is essential to keep mold at bay, but when it’s time for expert mold remediation in Village, make sure you call a professional you can trust to get the job done right.