Mold infestation is sometimes unpredictable and can flourish in seemingly unexpected areas. Although Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners should know mold tends to grow in attics, bathrooms, and drywall, you should also be aware of the more surprising locations. From the mold experts at RestoPros, here are 5 unexpected areas for mold growth.

A/C Vents

• Ventilation is a prime target for moisture-buildup, and if your IAQ is poor, mold spores easily invade your HVAC system.
• Condensation collects in both supply and return vents, and since your ventilation lacks any suitable lighting, mold growth can spawn.
• Mold within your ventilation must be dealt with quickly, as your HVAC system will distribute these spores, producing more mold while reducing indoor air quality (potentially causing allergy symptoms).

Chimney

• Although your chimney is designed to carry out smoke and gas, condensation and contaminants can still enter in the brick’s crevices.
• Rainwater creates dampness in your chimney’s dark interior, and if the temperature is warm, mold can grow.
• Mold growth in your chimney can also spread to your fireplace, potentially ruining firewood.
• Combined moisture and mold growth can damage your chimney if left unattended, causing stains, weakening support, and producing foul odors. along with fireplace accessories rusting.

Dishwasher

• Since your dishwasher is a cleaning tool, it’d be the last place you’d expect mold growth to be, but unfortunately this is still a possibility.
• Food residue and soap can build on the dishwasher’s gasket and drain, often due to improper dish cleaning before placing them on the racks.
• Your dishwasher holds the perfect climate for mold growth, as the interior is dark, warm, and moist.
• Although running your dishwasher usually eliminates any mold, having lingering residue prior to the cycle can cause unwanted mold growth that lasts even after the cycle.

Major Appliances

• Your fridge, washer, and dryer all work with water to function, and their rarely noticed locations are vulnerable to unexpected mold growth.
• Your refrigerator’s drip pan collects moisture and food drippings, making it a perfect environment for mold growth if not cleaned. The drip pan is usually located on the bottom of the fridge, close to the floor, and is rarely inspected.
• Gaskets located on front-loading washing machines easily stay damp after loads and provide a suitable habitat for mold growth. Additionally, the water hoses on the back can leak from poor installation, further leading to mold and even potential water damage.

Window Sashes and Sills

• Although rain drops on your windows are a pleasant and calming sight, the condensation can reside in the sills and sashes, causing unexpected mold growth.
• The sides of your windows, known as sashes, are designed to hold the glass panes, and rainwater can seep into their cracks and create a habitat for mold growth.
• The bottom of your window, known as the sill, often collects rain droplets after storms, and may produce mold if the window is not dried.
• Mold growth on window frames can further spread to the walls of your home, meaning mold-remediation should be immediate if detected.

After learning the unexpected areas for mold, you may have discovered that it has already infiltrated one or more of these areas. If you have noticed any mold growth in your home, contact RestoPros immediately. Not only will RestoPros remove the unexpected mold in your Dallas/Ft. Worth home with our mold remediation services, we will help you identify other unexpected areas for mold growth. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment.