Summer Mold Hotspots

Summer is in full swing, and we’re in the habit of dropping wet towels from the pool on the floor, blasting the AC, and taking longer showers after a day in the sun. These seemingly innocent acts can serve as an invitation for mold growth. Mold thrives in a humid, damp climate. So before running off to that summer rental or hosting the barbeque of the season, ensure you aren’t harming yourself or others. Let’s look at the top hotspots mold grows in during the Summer.

Top Spaces Mold Tends to Grow

1. Kitchen and Bathrooms

Spaces individuals use the most are prime targets for mold to grow due to moisture accumulation in these areas. Cooking, doing the dishes, and taking a hot shower all generate moisture that leads to a humid environment conducive to mold. Specific areas in these spaces include on or behind walls, sinks, toilets, on the floor, showers/baths, refrigerators, behind or under dishwashers, windowsills, and behind the stove or microwave.

2. Basements / Crawl Spaces

Basements and crawl spaces are notorious for dampness, as they are often in close contact with the ground. Moisture seepage, inadequate insulation, outright flooding, or poor ventilation can create a perfect storm for mold growth.

3. Attics / Roofs

Attics and Roofs are susceptible to mold growth due to poor ventilation and potential leaks.

4. Air Conditioners

Air Conditioners provide relief from summer heat but can also contribute to the inhabitation of mold if not properly maintained. Moisture can easily accumulate. In AC units, this occurs most often in the condensate drain and evaporator coils.

5. Laundry Rooms

Laundry Rooms often have high humidity levels due to washing machines and dryers. Proper ventilation and regular maintenance of these appliances are crucial in preventing mold growth.

Any appliances that use water have the potential to harbor mold.

What to Do

In order to avoid your everyday routine being interrupted by mold, ensure you are doing the following preventative measures.

• Proper ventilation by using exhaust fans or opening windows during and after engaging in activities that conduct steam and humidity. Use the fan during bath or shower and keep it on for at least 30 minutes after.
• Regularly clean and dry countertops, stovetops, microwave, and refrigerator.
• Repair any leaks or plumbing issues that may cause moisture buildup.
• Don’t let dirty dishes pile up in the sink.
• Use dehumidifiers to maintain optimal humidity levels.
• Run fans while cooking or showering.
• Insulate pipes to prevent condensation and fix any leaks or cracks in the foundation.
• Provide proper air flow in attics with soffit and ridge vents, gable vents, fans, opening windows, etc.
• Have your roof checked periodically by a professional for defects or leaks.
• Clean and change air filters in AC and HVAC units regularly.
• Clean dryer vents regularly to remove lint buildup and ensure that they vent outdoors.
• Avoid keeping wet clothes in your washing or dryer and be sure to keep the washer door cracked open for ventilation.

If you do get to the point where you encounter mold in these hotspots, don’t panic. That’s when RTK professionals can come in to help you plan the next steps.

• RTK provides comprehensive indoor air quality and mold testing, which can help you to pinpoint the problem.
• Once the source and contaminated areas are identified, RTK provides a blueprint for mold removal, which you provide to a mold remediation contractor of your choice.
• Since we only test and never remediate, we have no conflict of interest.
• Once removal is complete, RTK can come in to ensure the mold was removed properly, and that you don’t risk a future mold outbreak because of sloppy work.

Mold Health Concerns

The fact is mold causes health issues. Aside from the damage to one’s home, there are several harmful factors to an individual’s health. Symptoms of mold exposure include headaches, trouble breathing, rashes, brain fog, dizziness, fatigue, asthma, and allergy-like symptoms.

If you are concerned about mold in your home or workplace, contact RTK at 800.392.6468 or click here.