Laundry Rooms And Mold Potential

Mold is destructive to the structure of your home and can jeopardize the health of your family. Certain molds can even cause illnesses and allergies. Unfortunately, one room in the middle of your home can become a perfect breeding ground for mildew and mold. If you smell a musty smell, inspect your laundry room:

Washing Machines

Top loading and especially High-Efficiency front loaders are notorious for harboring mold and mildew. The gasket around the door often stays wet since the door is usually closed when not in use. With lint and skin cells as a food source, the mold multiplies and thrives. A recent Expert Home Tips survey revealed that a surprising 35% had not washed their washing machine since purchasing it. So after every load, wipe the gasket before you 1) shut the door or 2) leave the door ajar. If you spot mold, run a hot water wash with some chlorine bleach to kill the fungi.

Dryers

Built-up dryer lint can also cause mold problems. If at all possible, the dryer should vent outside with an approved rigid dryer duct. The duct should be checked frequently to ensure that it is securely attached to the dryer and is clear of lint.

If you notice a musty smell in your dryer, it is time to clean the vent thoroughly as well as the outside escape. If you feel the transfer of air around the duct when the dryer is operating, there are holes that are leaking moist air. Replace the duct as soon as possible.

Errant Piles Of Clothes And Lost Socks

Missing socks are a punchline to a joke unless they are collecting water, harboring mold, and creating a funky smell in your laundry room. Check often behind, below and between the washer and dryer for any loose items. Don’t let laundry- dirty or clean- stack up on top of the dryer.

Laundry Room Rules

Keeping humidity in the laundry room below fifty percent will deter mold growth, keep your dryer from working harder and make you feel more comfortable. Humidity can be reduced with a dehumidifier, an open window or a good ventilation system with a ceiling vent. If you live in a high humidity climate and your laundry room has poor ventilation, use a semi-gloss paint for the walls and ceiling that has an anti-mold and mildew agent added.

Implement Some Rules For Managing the Humid Environment.

  • Never leave wet, dirty clothes
  • Never leave wet, clean clothes
  • Use the vent fan when doing laundry, and for 30 minutes after.
  • Leaving the top lid (or front-load door) open between loads to dry out the machine and prevent condensation and mildewing.

Restoration 1 Of Winston/Salem

Cleaning mold from a washing machine doesn’t have to be difficult. The weekly maintenance techniques such as the ones listed will discourage new mold growth. However, if you suspect a serious mold infestation that doesn’t respond to these natural solutions, call the professionals at Restoration 1. Trained technicians are experts in water removal and are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. They even offer free inspections from fully-trained and certified restoration technicians within one hour of your call.

Water damage needs to be handled as quickly as possible, for a few reasons. First, the longer moisture is allowed to remain, the better chance there is for mold or mildew to grow. Second, prompt restoration will lessen any structural damage. Lastly, a quick solution eliminates spreading mold to other areas of your home.