Last Updated on July 28, 2016
Just like bathrooms and attic, kitchen happens to be a good breeding place for mold. Kitchen offers the three most integral elements that mold needs: humidity, food and warmth. Being a homeowner, it is important that you are well aware of the potential sources of mold in your kitchen. Check out these places in your kitchen and see if you have mold growing:
Under the sink
Kitchen garbage, spilled cleaning products and leaky pipes are some of the common reasons for mold growth in your kitchen. The space right under your sink is the first place you should check for the presence of mold. For instance, if there is a leaky pipe, you must get it repaired in the first place and then install vinyl tile at the bottom of the cabinet to keep it well protected from any water damage.
Around the sink
Keep a close check on your taps and all around the sink and underneath for mold growth. Make sure you have caulked all the seams and corners of your sink to prevent any sort of water damage and mold growth.
Exterior walls
The exterior walls of the kitchen are also vulnerable to mold. Therefore, always check the walls that face outdoors for the presence of mold.
Kitchen windows
Window condensation in homes happens to be to an integral source of mold growth as well. Kitchen windows are highly vulnerable to mold growth because of high humidity level in the area. Whether you have metal framed windows, vinyl or wood framed windows, mold can easily grow on all such types. Therefore it is very important that you check your windows for any possible sign of mold presence.
Garbage and garbage disposal
Garbage offers a lot of potential sources of food to mold. Therefore, always remember to clean your garbage containers and garbage disposal with any antibacterial cleaner. You can also use undiluted vinegar for cleaning purpose as well. Once you start taking proper care of your garbage containers, you can easily keep mold at bay.
Compost bin
Just like garbage and garbage containers, the compost bin can be a potential place for the mold to grow. Never let your compost bin to sit out especially in summers and when the weather is humid. It would be better if you just dump the compost more often throughout the day.
Pantry items
Vegetables and fruits begin to rot when they are left for a long time. Their smell is unbearable and therefore you must check your onions, potatoes and other stored food items for the presence of mold. Toss the food out which you think is not fresh any more.
Dishwasher
Keeping your dishwasher thoroughly cleaned is also quite important for keeping your house mold free. Keep a close check inside the dishwasher and its entire casing as well. You need to be more careful if you have wood cabinets in your kitchen because mold can easily grow on wooden surfaces. Small leaks can go unnoticed for a very long time and this is when mold problem gets worse. Under such a situation, a thorough Toronto mold inspection becomes mandatory.
Fridge and freezer
Check the inside and around of your appliances on regular basis and see if there are any food sources of mold. Never forget the drip tray that is located at the front or at times underneath the refrigerator. Check them several times in a year and see if you notice any sign of mold growth. The earlier you detect mold, the easier it would be for you to deal with it. If you have a built in ice maker in your fridge, make sure to check it on regular basis as well.
In case you have checked all possible places of kitchen for mold and are unable to find the root cause behind the mildew smell, you need to contact professional mold removal contractors immediately. They can inspect your kitchen and identify the type of kitchen mold present so that effective remedies can be taken.