Mold is everywhere. It’s a natural part of the environment and is responsible for breaking down organic matter. When they appear in your living space, however, they are an unwanted guest.
Molds are capable of undermining the structural integrity of your house and are a risk to your health. We’ll help you learn how to spot mold breeding areas so you can safeguard your home.
Identify and Spot the Mold
When you see a tiny black spot on your walls or some furniture that wasn’t there before, chances are its Stachybotrys chartarum or common black mold.
Test the spot to make sure it is mold by doing this quick test:
Dab the spot with a cotton swab dipped in a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 16 parts water). If the spot reoccurs after a while, it’s mold.
Devices that can Help Spot the Mold
An indoor air quality sensor can help detect the presence of molds. One thing that is common with all species of molds — they thrive under moisture. If the humidity in the room is over 60%, there’s a good chance that mold is growing somewhere.
A good air quality sensor can measure temperature, humidity and PM2.5 levels to detect the moisture and spores. If your sensor is picking up high levels of humidity and PM2.5 particulate matter, you may want to start looking for mold breeding areas.
Mold Breeding Areas
Damp places are perfect breeding spots for molds. Check walls and ceilings that might have been exposed to roof or plumbing leaks. Mold has a musty smell like mildew, so you can also use your nose to hone in on them. Be careful not to sniff at any mold formations while doing so.
Bathroom and Kitchen
In the bathroom, you will want to check the shower, the bathtub, the sink, and the toilet. In the kitchen, the usual places are around the kitchen sink, in the refrigerator and pantry where food is kept, the microwave where liquids tend to get spilled, and in the stove where food bits might be left over. Food is a prime breeding ground for molds, so be careful and check them before consumption.
Bedroom
In the bedroom, you’ll want to check the mattress, on the window sills, in the air conditioner and its vents. The windows are the common entry points for moisture, and the window panes collect condensation in the mornings, making them easy breeding grounds for molds. Your mattress is also a common place to hold moisture, but if the humidity is low it should be fine.
Living Room
For the living room, you’ll want to check the couch, the curtains, and any indoor plants you may have. The fireplace and the chimney are also susceptible to moisture and are likely places for mold to grow. The couch tends to retain moisture just like a mattress, so pay attention as this piece of furniture tends to be harder to clean.
Ensure Your air isn’t conducive for Mold growth
With a little presence of mind and diligence, you can detect mold outbreaks before they become serious. Optimal indoor air quality discourages molds growth. Having an indoor air quality sensor to ensure your air isn’t conducive to mold growth is a worthwhile investment that pays in the long run. By putting your air sensor to good use and be watchful of molds, and you can keep your home safe for your family.
