Mould growth in your homes is a troublesome and potentially dangerous issue that needs to be addressed before it spreads and poses severe health issues, and other structural damage to your house.
You must have seen patches of mould growing on several familiar places in your house, however, the most dangerous one are those that thrive in sneaky areas of your homes and are extremely difficult to remove.
But, what exactly is mould?
Mould is a naturally occurring fungus that thrive on plant and animal remains. They grow in damp environments full of moisture and oxygen—like your bathroom area, damp clothes and fabric, other poorly ventilated areas, leather seats of your car, etc.
So, here are some potential “mould hotspots,” which with a little maintenance can be steered clear of mould.
Windowsills and sink cabinets
- A leaky window or a leaky pipe provides the best environment to support and enable mould growth. Leaks around windows and doors or under the sink cabinets can make those areas damp which can promote faster mould growth.
- To get rid of mould in such areas, try to keep them dry by opening the windows frequently. In case of large mould growth either call a professional or scrub the area with a nylon brush and a mixture of bleach in warm water, only after donning proper safety gear. Let the mixture it on the affected area for around 15 minutes. Rinse with clear water and dry it thoroughly before closing the window again.
Around your refrigerator
- “Out of sight” areas like underneath and behind your refrigerator, are prime areas for mould growth where you can’t reach easily to regularly clean.
- To clean the area, move your fridge away from the wall so that you can easily reach the “unreachable” parts of the wall and floor. Use a stick vacuum to clean it up and ensure that no mould can grow there in the future.
Detergent chamber of your washing machine
- The dark and damp detergent chamber of your washing machine serves as the perfect breeding area for mould.
- To prevent the fungi from growing there and spoiling your clothes, keep the chamber open after every wash to keep it dry.
Remotes and keyboards
- Remote controls, keyboards and alarm system keypads are the frequently used things that need regular cleaning. The tiny spaces between the keys can become greasy and oily from using repeatedly, which can result in mould growth that can often go unnoticed. Since, these are high-touch surfaces; mould can affect your health, particularly during cold and flu season.
- You can use canned air to eliminate the buildup between the keys, making it easy to remove the hidden dirt with a microfiber cloth or an old toothbrush. Complete the process by wiping it with a disinfectant.
Therefore, regularly cleaning those “mould hotspots” can prevent any potential mould growth and can save your money as well. So, engage in frequent cleaning hard-to-reach spots.