When checking for mold at home, you probably check all the usual spots, like basement corners and the ceiling. These are all common trouble zones, but mold can grow anywhere moisture lingers, even if it’s small or hidden. Some of these spots are so unassuming that they might surprise you. Below, we’ve identified seven unexpected places where mold can grow in your home.
Under the Bathroom Sink
The small, enclosed space under the bathroom sink traps moisture from potentially leaky pipes. That creates the perfect breeding ground for mold. Even minor drips that go unnoticed can feed the mold over time and make it spread.
If you find mold there, it’s often a sign that water damage in the bathroom is already more serious than it seems. It’s a good idea to call a local repair service to help. For example, if you’re in Georgia and notice mold in the bathroom, call the state’s most reputable water damage services. They repair water damage Georgia homeowners might miss. While waiting for help, keep the area dry and remove any wet materials to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Behind the Refrigerator
Another spot you might not be ready to see mold is behind your refrigerator. Moisture from spills and condensation in the area can pool there, creating a damp, dark environment for mold to live. Mold can also appear there if the airflow is restricted.
Proper refrigerator placement can help prevent this mold growth. Pull the fridge away from the wall occasionally to clean behind it and wipe up any spills. Check the floor for moisture, and clean it up with a mild detergent if you see some. Keeping this area dry keeps mold and musty smells away from your kitchen.
Inside the Washing Machine
Your washing machine might seem clean, but it’s the perfect place for mold to thrive. Water and damp clothes left in the washer for too long can create a humid environment inside the drum. This creates a home for mold to live. Front-loading washers are especially vulnerable to this because their tight seals trap moisture.
To fight it, regularly clean your washer. You can use vinegar or do a bleach cycle to ensure it’s free of any germs. Leave the door open after doing the laundry so that the interior dries completely each time. These habits keep your clothes fresh and reduce the chances of mold taking over.
Bottom Hem of Shower Curtains
After a shower, water drips down the curtain and pools along the folds at the bottom of your curtain. It might look dry at first glance, but those damp hems stay wet for a while. That gives mold the perfect warm, humid environment to grow.
Even the most luxurious walk-in shower can look off-putting if the curtain develops black spots along the bottom. To prevent this, stretch the curtain fully after each shower and wash it properly. You could also swap out your ordinary shower curtain with mildew-resistant ones to keep it fresh and clean.
Lids of Food Containers
Reusable food containers’ lids are mold havens, too. Moisture gets trapped in the grooves under the rubber gasket, especially if the lid wasn’t dried thoroughly after washing. Mold can form silently, contaminating your food before you notice it.
Make it a habit to thoroughly wash the rubber gasket and lid edges. If you can, remove the gasket and scrub it down with a cleaning brush. Scrub the tight corners to prevent hidden mold. Check for any suspicious black spots on the lid before putting any food in the container. By doing this, you can rest assured that your containers are safe for your meals.
Coffee Maker Reservoirs
Coffee makers have tons of germs, and the water reservoir is often the main culprit. Water sits there for hours or even days. Combined with leftover coffee, it can leave behind residue that creates an environment that allows mold to develop.
To keep things clean, rinse the reservoir after every use. Run a monthly cleaning cycle on the coffee machine with vinegar or a coffee-safe cleaner. Wipe down any detachable parts of the machine and let them air-dry completely before re-attaching them. A clean reservoir keeps your morning brew fresh and ensures your kitchen stays mold-free.
Toothbrush Holders
Those little cups that hold your toothbrushes in the bathroom can also be a place where mold grows. Water collects every time you rinse your brush. That tiny puddle it leaves behind sits there for days. Over time, it turns into a humid environment where mold can develop. It’s bad because it’s in the bathroom, where you want cleanliness the most.
You don’t want mold just sitting on your bathroom vanity, so empty and rinse these holders regularly. Let them dry completely between uses. When you wash them, scrub the corners with a brush and mild soap so you don’t leave room for mold to grow. Clean holders keep your toothbrushes fresh and your morning routine much less gross.
Endnote
Now that you know where mold can potentially sneak in, take a moment to peek in the spots above. Keep an eye on any area that holds moisture, from the back of the fridge to your food containers and coffee maker. Catching mold early can save you from big, expensive headaches later. A little attention goes a long way in keeping your home fresh and healthy.
