Nasty bacteria and germs can get into your rags, sponges, towels, etc, but where does mould typically hide in your home? After all, mould needs the right temperature, a water source, and material that it can break down and consume. We’ve blogged at length about these needs in the past, and anywhere that provides mould with these ingredients poses as a possible location for mould to grow.
Window Sills.
In order to have a window, there has to be a hole in the wall. When installed correctly, a seal between the window and wall prevents rain, wind, and other forms of weather from sneaking into your home. If the window isn’t installed properly, or if it’s left open regularly during a rainstorm, problems can be quick to follow.
Windows are also often a source of condensation. Warmer air can hold more water than cold air. So when warmer, humid air touches a cold window, the water may condense into droplets. This provides a great water source for mould.
Both of these vulnerabilities means that if you start smelling mould in your home, checking the window sills is a good place to start.
The Bathroom.
There are so many sources of water in the bathroom, that it should be no surprise that it’s one of the most common places to find mould. Leaky pipes; grippy, rubber, bath-mats; on the bath or shower itself; on the towel or rug left on the floor in front of the bath to collect water droplets, there are so many options for mould to take hold. And once mould begins to grow in the bathroom, the regular dose of humidity from showers and baths will have it spreading in no time.
Mould in bathrooms can quickly take over and start eating the walls, ceiling, and even the floor. If you find mould in your bathroom or begin to smell something funky after a shower, it’s time to take a good look around and call for some expert help.
Laundry Machines.
Ever noticed your laundry smelling worse after you wash it than before it went in? That’s mould in your washing machine at work. Until it’s dealt with, it’s going to be pretty challenging to get a nice load of laundry. You’ll want to identify what type of washing machine you have and how to clean it. Some are as easy to clean as buying the right kind of detergent; others are more challenging.
Mould is always trying to sneak into our homes. Under carpets, in the drapes, behind furniture, almost any surface can function as a home for mould. It’s important to be aware of the vulnerabilities your home has, and you should make sure to thoroughly clean and check over every nook and cranny at least once a year. Many Calgarians do this kind of deep clean in Spring or Fall, but if you’re cooped up indoors with the cold weather, now is as good a time as any.
Worried that mould might be hiding in your home? Found an infestation and wondering what your next step is? Call the experts at Amity Environmental!
