Are you sneezing and wheezing all day long in your home? There's a good chance you're suffering from mold allergies. In part one of our two-part series, we explore some strange areas in your home where mold often grows:
1. Washing machine
Are your clothes actually clean after you wash them? They may not be.
Samuel Dickson, a mold expert, appeared on The Doctors to discuss how mold is commonly found in washing machines. "The first time I ever ran into was actually, I was at my stepmother's house," said Dickson, "I was taking a shower, and the towel that we had there smelled horrible when I got out of the shower and I couldn't figure out what it was. And, so, I had this urge, and I started looking everywhere. And I went into the washing machine, and I peeled back the lip of the machine, and you could see this black mold growing on the inside of the washing machine around the gasket."
2. Shower hygiene products
The products you're using in the shower, such as shampoo and body wash, may actually have mold on them. Disgusting right? But it's not surprising.
Mold loves to grow in damp areas, which is why experts recommend that you dry your shower's walls and curtain or door after each use. Take the same approach to the products in your shower. Mold can appear on the bottom or inside rim of bottles where water becomes trapped.
Finally, always turn on the bathroom's ventilation fan and open a window to ensure steam doesn't build up. Steam can also promote mold growth and rot.
3. Kitchen appliances
Mold loves growing under kitchen appliances. It's dark, damp and we never disturb it! As part of your monthly cleaning regimen, take the time to clean under the refrigerator, stove and any other appliances that may collect moisture or food particles.
The process isn't very difficult. You can wash these areas down with soap, white vinegar and water.
4. Window sills
Your windows don't have to be 50 years old for them to become the perfect environment for mold growth. Mold grows fairly quickly and will appear wherever moisture is lodged and left to stand. After it rains, wipe down the bottoms of sashes and window sills. If the windows are very old and this process is becoming tedious, it may be time to repair or replace your windows.
For more information on how to stop mold growth, check out part two of our series. For more allergy solutions, visit Allergy Be Gone's store for a wide range of allergy control products.
