Detecting mold growth in your home

Every once in a while, it’s good to check your home for mold. Generally, any dark or damp place will attract mold. Here are some places to look.

Two rooms that are very prone to mold are the kitchen and the bathroom. Give your cabinets and cupboards a good wipe down from time to time, as mold will occasionally grow in the corners. You should also check the drain pan in the fridge and the pots for your houseplants. In the bathroom, check the shower and shower curtain, and look under the sinks in both rooms.

Another hot spot for mold to grow is your refrigeration unit. In an HVAC system, the cooling coil cools the air to remove condensation. Consequently, condensation accumulates on the coil, making it an ideal place for mold. The drain pan under the coil, which collects dripping condensation, is also a perfect place for mold to grow. Systems with in-duct humidifiers can also cause increased humidity in the ductwork, which, combined with dirt, can be a breeding ground for mold. Swamp coolers, which cool the air by evaporating water, can also have mold near the unit.

A more serious problem is when mold grows in wall cavities. If a section of your wall has cracked or peeling paint, is discolored, or bulging, then you most likely have mold behind the drywall. When mold grows inside the wall, the drywall is almost always infected. It must be torn out and cleaned or replaced.

Keep a watchful eye. It is easier to stop the growth of mold than to repair the damage.