How to Tell If Mold is Lurking in Your Bathroom or Kitchen (And What You Can Do About It!)
October is National Kitchen and Bath Month, the perfect time to focus on those rooms to ensure they’re not harboring mold, often a hidden danger. These areas are constantly exposed to moisture from cooking, washing dishes, and showering, making them prime spots for mold growth. So, keep an eye on areas behind sinks, under dishwashers, around toilets, and in shower stalls. Don’t overlook less obvious places like behind the refrigerator and under the microwave, where condensation can build up.
Even if you keep your home spotless, microscopic mold spores can still grow and spread through the air, causing mold growth, leading to respiratory issues, allergies, postnasal drip, skin rashes, and even mold toxicity.
Mold doesn’t always originate indoors; spores can hitch a ride on your clothes and shoes, drift in through open windows, or sneak in with rain seeping through a tiny crack in your ceiling or foundation walls. Before you know it, mold could be growing not just in your bathroom, but also in and around your HVAC unit, near windows, on roofs, and especially in your attic and basement. If you happen to be updating your kitchen or re-caulking your bathroom, don’t forget to check for signs of mold in these other, less obvious areas too.
Signs of Mold
- Musty smell: A musty odor is a strong indicator of mold and points to poor indoor air quality.
- Water stains: If you see water stains, you probably have a mold issue. The question then becomes, how big is the problem? Because mold is often hidden, growing on the back sides of walls and sheetrock and under carpets and floorboards, the only way to be sure where it has taken hold is to have a mold inspection performed by a certified professional.
- Health symptoms: If you experience itchy eyes, coughing, or wheezing in one part of your home, and the symptoms disappear when you leave, chances are that area has mold. Unexplained health issues could be a sign that your indoor air quality is compromised by mold. In that case, it’s wise to get a mold and air quality test.
Found Mold? Here’s What to Do Next
If you stumble upon mold, don’t rush to scrub it away just yet. First, get it tested by a mold expert and determine why it’s there. Identifying the type of mold growing in your home as well as the cause will guide your removal strategy and help prevent future growth.
Take Action Before Mold Takes Over
Mold may be common, but you don’t have to let it take over your home. Stay on top of moisture-prone areas, and if you spot mold, don’t guess—test! Knowing exactly what type of mold you’re dealing with and why it’s there will make the removal process easier and more effective. And remember, if you find mold, always call an expert to determine the best way to handle it.
