Can Molds Grow in Appliances? 5 Top Household Appliances That Can Cause Mold Growth
Usually, mold could be there where there’s moisture. We always hear it everywhere that you can spot them in bathrooms, kitchens, walls, closets, attics, and basements. However, did you realize that they can grow in your house appliances, too?
If you see dark places in your dishwasher or refrigerator, it might be a sign. They generally hide in dark areas of your appliances, specifically in the seals around the door. Before trying your do-it-yourself cleaning solutions to remove mold, learn which household appliances they can be hiding.
1. Hot Water Heater
House owners often keep their water heater in the closets or other darker rooms of their homes. When leaks occur, molds start to grow. Sometimes, mold on the floors or walls around the water heater might also be the reason.
Ensure to clean or replace your hot water heater to prevent the spread of mold and further damage to building materials. If the primary reason is mold on the wall or floor around it, address the issue. You can use many efficient homemade solutions, such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and so on. In case of severe mold, you may need the assistance of professionals, such as PuroClean.ca.
2. Washing Machines
Was there ever a time when you opened your front-loader and smelled a musty odor? It’s possible that mold got into your washing machine. Its waterproof design makes an ideal environment for molds to grow and thrive if left unattended.
To keep your clothes and machine smelling fresh and clean, regularly clean the gasket and detergent dispensers with warm soapy water. Also, check the drum for possible mold growth if the smell does not go away after washing.
3. Humidifiers
Even the newer versions of humidifiers need regular cleaning to avoid mold growth. Each time you refill, empty and dry the base. Use vinegar to eliminate the scale and follow directions from the manual that comes with it on how to disinfect. Always keep in mind to disinfect and descale before and after storage.
Additionally, be aware of the kind of water you use in your humidifier. Ideally, avoid tap water, since its mineral deposits can act as a food source to molds. When this occurs, they breed and pollute the water, which can cause harm to your family. Visit this link for more information about the mold removal process.
4. Refrigerators
The primary reason for mold growth in your refrigerator is decomposing food. If only it’s as simple as tossing the food, and everything would be fine. However, mold can spread out through the air and surface contact. So, if spores form on decomposing leftover pasta, it can spread out through air circulation and into the shelf it’s sitting on.
Apply a solution of one tablespoon of baking soda to one quart of warm water. Ensure to wipe down walls, ceilings, and the floor of your refrigerator, including the gaps of the gasket around the door. In addition, eliminate and clean racks and bins. After wiping, repeat the process with a clean, dry towel, and rinse it with warm water to finish.
5. Air Conditioning Vents
You may not know it, but molds can grow in air ducts, too. Check the inside of your vents for visible signs, or if you smell a moldy odor, mold may be there. If you can’t see or smell anything, you should be alright.
If you want to ensure your family’s 100% safety, consider hiring mold removal professionals to evaluate mold in your house. They are your go-to people when it comes to water damage restoration services.