Preventing Mold Growth In The Kitchen: Helpful Tips You Can Use

11 January 2018
 Categories: , Blog

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Mold can grow in many areas of the home, but the kitchen can provide a host of conditions that make mold growth possible. If you are concerned about mold growth in your kitchen, here are some ways you can work to prevent it.

Repair Leaky Faucets

The cabinet under your sink may be susceptible to mold growth, particularly in the cabinet and on the wall. As water drips and drops from under the sink, moisture can build up over time. Combined with the dark conditions in the cabinet, mold may easily grow in this area. Inspect the sink, including the plumbing and faucet. Be sure to repair the leak right away, as it will need to be repaired before you have the area treated for mold. If not, the continued water leak can lead to more mold growth.

Improve Ventilation

When cooking and preparing foods, moisture can build up in your kitchen. Over time, the moisture may lead to mold growth. Cook with the window open to improve ventilation, and be sure to run your ventilation hood when boiling water, frying foods, or using your stove for other types of food preparation. If you don't have a vent hood, consider having one installed. You may also want to consider re-painting the area behind the stove with a high-gloss or mildew-resistant paint. This will make the wall behind the stove esier to clean and dry after cooking.

Protect Your Floors

Mold can grow underneath tile when the flooring is exposed to water. The floor directly in front of your sink and dishwasher can be susceptible if you don't have it covered and protected from water. The water can seep under the tile when you have a leak in your kitchen plumbing, and it can also build up if your dishwasher leaks or overflows. Consider investing in absorbent area rugs to prevent water from pooling on the floor and seeping underneath the tile. You can also add caulk around the edges of your tile floor underneath the sink to provide an extra barrier against water leaks.

Have Your Kitchen Tested For Mold

If you do spot potential mold growth in the kitchen, consider contacting a contractor to have the kitchen checked for mold. Once the affected area is tested, your contractor can treat the area and remove the mold. You may also want to have the bathroom and other areas of the home tested to make sure there aren't other mold issues in the home.

For more information, contact a business such as Artios Painting.