The best method for dealing with any type of mold in the home is prevention; a practice that should be done routinely through a thorough test for mold in all areas that are vulnerable.
Mold can grow anywhere that moisture and warmth exist. There are numerous hiding places in your home with these conditions where mold could be hiding at this very minute. Whether you hire a certified home inspector or plan to inspect your home yourself, there are tips to know on how to test for mold in the house.
Certain conditions provide the optimal environment for mold growth. Mold is a living organism that is primarily made up of water, and as such, it requires moisture to survive. Some types of mold are able to live in lower moisture areas, but still need to have their replenishing water source. It also needs certain temperatures, with the best growth conditions occurring around 80°F. That is not to say that mold will not grow in cooler temperatures. How many times have you fished a moldy vegetable or fruit from your refrigerator crisper? With this fact in mind, one of the areas in the home to test for mold is in the basement. Basements, traditionally cool, dark and damp, are still prime breeding grounds for certain species of mold.
Other areas that are particularly susceptible to mold are the kitchen and the bathroom. Because there are water facilities in these rooms, there is the opportunity for them to harbor dampness as well as develop leaks where standing water may result. It is important to regularly test for mold in these areas since a great deal of family time is spent in these rooms. Also, refrigerators should be examined for mold. Not just inside, where forgotten food might fall victim, but also along the rubber seal on the refrigerator doors. This is a very common area for mold growth, especially on older refrigerators where the seal may be weakening.
