Often, mold will be spreading through a home without anyone noticing until it is too late. Pipes and drains in bathrooms, kitchens and washrooms are some of the common spots where mold likes to crop up. So how can you prevent this growth from occurring?
Do you smell a musty odor when you’re near a kitchen or bathroom sink drain? If you smell this, there is a good chance that it is due to mold growing in your pipes and drains.
That is not surprising. Since mold thrives in damp and confined spaces, it is a common issue in pipes and drains. Compared to other spaces, it is more difficult to deal with because you cannot easily spot the mold colony.
In this blog, you will learn how to stop unhealthy mold from growing in a pipe and drain in your Michigan home. However, before reading any further, note that moldy smells in your home indicate a need for professional mold remediation services. The following tips are mainly for prevention.
Mold is a fungus you can find everywhere. It needs high moisture levels for significant growth. The following conditions are vital for the survival of mold colonies:
Mold isn’t typically thought of as something that ‘eats’. So what are the food sources for mold in kitchens and bathrooms?
Well, in kitchens, the food that mold will consume is very similar to what you do! Think of times when you have left a loaf of bread out for too long. Mold will typically grow on it. This is because the mold is actually consuming parts of the bread, even if you can’t tell. Now, think of the last time you washed dishes in the sink, or even rinsed them off before using the dishwasher.
Food particles will inevitably end up in the drain of your sink, and some will even travel into the pipes and plumbing of your home. This is like a buffet for mold. Food particles will get stuck to the interior of the drain or pipe, and over time, build up where mold can then grow.
In your bathrooms, mold finds a very different food source, but will grow equally fast. Hair and dead skin cells are some important food sources for mold. Just think of the number of showers you take in a week, or the number of times you wash your hands. Every time you do, it is just like dropping off ‘Hello Fresh’ for Mold.
So how can you effectively prevent mold from growing in your home’s pipes and drains? There are some simple home remedies you can try!
It is recommended to use these home remedies for a moldy drain at least once a month. Some people do this on a weekly basis to combat the mold colonies. Experts warn not to use household bleach because the fumes are not healthy for your lungs and airways. Plus, the bleach may have an abrasive effect on the pipes.
As we noted above, mold needs a few things to thrive. One of these is moisture. To keep moisture from building up, an exhaust vent is highly recommended. However, absent that, you most likely already have a solution available in your doors and windows.
In the kitchen, you can keep a window open when using the sink in order to speed the drying process along. In bathrooms, you can leave both windows and doors open to help air circulate and dry out the drain, which will help keep mold from growing in the plumbing and pipes of your home.
Dehumidifiers are a great way to get rid of the excess moisture in your living spaces. When you use these devices regularly, you will cut down on the risk of developing a serious mold problem. You may use them in a variety of places, including your basement, kitchen, and bathroom.
Luckily, the cost of dehumidifiers is fairly low when compared to having to call mold remediation experts like Aladdin’s Cleaning & Restoration.
While prevention is important, not all mold can be stopped. The key is to prevent it from building up into a major problem. When mold is left unchecked, it can cause serious damage and potential health issues to you and your family. It helps to get your home checked and have a mold inspection done periodically.