Healthy Indoors Magazine
Issue link: https://hi.healthyindoors.com/i/1313545
16 | November 2020 A disconnected dryer hose led to mold growth in a basement May Indoor Air Investigations LLC Mold growth on cabinet kick space May Indoor Air Investigations LLC Refrigerator drip trays can contain microbial growth (mold, bacteria, yeast). Then when the refrigerator is running, it creates airflows that can spread allergenic byproducts of such growth. If the tray is accessible at the front of the appliance, re- move the tray for cleaning. If it is behind a panel in back, the tray will probably have to be cleaned in place. Don't forget to clean the coils, if accessible. Kitchen cabinet kick spaces collect dust and when dampened by floor mop- ping or spilled foods, mold growth can en- sue. Clean such spaces on a regular basis. A bathroom is another room with water, and where there is water, there can be mold growth. Even in sparklingly clean bathrooms I've found mold growth on the bottom of toilet tanks because moisture condenses on the cold tanks and mold can then grow on collected dust. One way to prevent this problem is to have warm wa- ter pumped into the tank. A much easier way to prevent the problem is to clean the bottom of the tank on a regular basis. Sink overflows can develop strong musty smells due to mold and bacterial growth. If your sink overflow looks black, there's probably microbial growth present. You can clean out this space with an old toothbrush or a Q-tip and any suitable cleaning agent (though a dilute bleach solu- tion is probably most effective). I worked with one client whose half bath had such a strong mold odor that he was embarrassed to have guests go into that bathroom. He cleaned out the sink overflow and voila! The odor was gone. Sink cabinets in kitchens and bath- rooms can become moldy if pipes are leak- ing or water is flowing down spaces behind the sink or between the counter and back- splash. Don't stuff so many goods beneath your kitchen and bathroom sink cabinet that you won't be able to see whether pipes are leaking or mold growth is pres- ent. And if you keep goods in plastic bins, it will be easier to remove them so you can inspect the inside of the cabinet. Mold growth on the bottom of a toilet tank May Indoor Air Investigations LLC May's Ways Continued from previous page