The Moldiest Places In Your Kitchen, According To Experts

The thought of mold in your home is scary. Mold exposure can lead to issues like sneezing, itchy eyes and skin irritation in both those who are allergic to mold and not allergic, and it can cause asthma attacks in those with the condition. Plus, it can wreak havoc on things like cabinets and walls.

It’s easy to ignore things like kitchen spills or leaky faucets, but you really shouldn’t, experts say. Mold and moisture go hand-in-hand, making the kitchen — with its sinks, dishwashers and spills — a culprit for mold growth in your home.

“The key to mold control is moisture control,” a spokesperson from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) told HuffPost via email.

So, by watching for leaks and spills in your kitchen, you can help lessen the chance that you’ll end up with mold.

As for where the water damage tends to happen, experts have thoughts. Below, they share where you should be checking for mold in your kitchen and what to do if you find it.

Mold comes in many different shapes and colors. Among the most common kinds of mold are cladosporium and penicillium, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cladosporium is often found by kitchen faucets, under the sink and on carpets. It tends to appear as green, black or yellow spots, according to Medical News Today.

Penicillium is usually blue or green, and can be found on carpeting and on damaged walls, as well as on fruits and veggies.

But, when it comes to mold, many folks worry the most about “black mold,” which is formally known as Stachybotrys chartarum. It appears as dark green or black specks, and tends to grow where there’s water damage — hence why cleaning up that kitchen cabinet flood is crucial.

Mold can make anyone sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma, but not everyone is affected.

When it comes to mold in the kitchen, it’s usually near your kitchen pipes, said Tal Saar, the owner and manager of New York Mold Specialist.

“If you’re looking under the sink or any other type of pipe, whether it’s a kitchen sink or a dishwasher … there can always be potential mold growth due to water damage,” Saar stated.

If there’s a leak, it’s plausible that you’ll end up with mold. And, the mold growth would likely happen on the material near the pipe, whether that’s a cabinet, dry wall or sheet rock, Saar noted.

According to the EPA spokesperson, mold can also come from excess moisture caused by “leaking or improperly maintained appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines or refrigerators.”

The water damage or flooding that can happen as a result can cause mold damage, added the EPA spokesperson.

You’ve probably spilled water and other liquids on the mats and rugs in your kitchen more times than you can count — unfortunately, these wet fabrics can be a breeding ground for mold.

“If the kitchen has carpet, rugs or mats, check them regularly to make sure they are clean and completely dry,” said the EPA spokesperson.

It can be hard to clean mold from porous materials (like a kitchen rug), so throwing away the damaged item might be necessary, added the EPA.

By now you likely get that water damage or a leak both mean there’s opportunity for mold to grow; this makes it super important to look out for leaks or evidence of water damage in your home.

If you notice moisture in your kitchen, you should repair the culprit, immediately — whether a leak, a spill or broken appliance — and it’s important to completely dry any water within 24 to 48 hours, noted the EPA spokesperson.

Even if the water has dried up after being there for days, there can still be mold growth “due to the water damage as well as humidity and condensation,” Saar said.

“Well, you always want to keep the dehumidifier running, especially in the summertime,” said Saar.

This will help with the humidity and moisture in your home, he noted.

Mold tends to thrive in humid, moist environments, so, if you take that away from your space, it’ll be less likely that mold can actually grow.

The EPA spokesperson added that running your kitchen exhaust fan can also help reduce the amount of moisture in the air, as can opening your windows.

While there are home remedies for near anything online, dealing with a mold infestation isn’t something you should play with.

According to the EPA spokesperson, smaller mold issues can generally be handled by you. You can use detergent and water to get mold off of hard surfaces — and then make sure those surfaces stay dry. It’s also important to wear personal protective equipment such as gloves and goggles while dealing with mold to avoid exposure, the EPA noted.

In many situations, though, a professional needs to come in to help. This is true if the mold contamination space is large or if you’re concerned about coming in contact with the mold for health reasons. In this case, you’ll want to call a licensed mold remediation company to come in and clear your house of any mold.

If you do end up with mold in your home, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, the EPA said it’s simply not possible to rid your indoor environment of all mold and mold spores.

Instead, do what you can to keep your home dry and clean, and be sure to check for mold in troublesome areas regularly.