Where Does Mold Grow Fast?

Mold is a tiny organism that eats organic matter. In nature, mold helps break down leaves and other plant debris. It releases spores to reproduce. Mold becomes a problem when spores get inside a moist, humid and warm area and begin feeding on material in your home. As it grows, you can become affected if you have allergies or asthma. If the type of mold in your home has toxins, it can also cause fatigue, headaches and irritation to the lungs. To control the mold growth, you need to dry out your house and find the spots where mold growth is likely.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Find mold where you find moisture. Molds can grow on any moist, damp surface. They grow on dirt, paper, leather, soap scum and other organic material. Mold can grow in temperatures between 32 and 95 degrees F, but they grow faster in warm temperatures with high humidity and a lot of condensation.

2. Look for mold in bathrooms. Mold grows on walls, shower curtains, tiles and grout. Ceramic tile, fiberglass and soap scum are the worst culprits. Showering without turning on exhaust fans causes humid conditions that lead to mold growth.

3. Find mold in basements. Dark, damp places that tend to flood or have leaky, dripping pipes are common places for mold growth. Moisture seeps through concrete walls and floors, causing mold to grow on material stored in your basement

4. Check your kitchen for mold. Mold can grow in automatic defrosting refrigerator pans. Boiling a lot of water without using your exhaust fan can cause mold growths on kitchen walls and floors.

5. Leaving damp towels and clothes in laundry rooms can cause mold to grow. Mold also grows fast when an unvented dryer causes high humidity in your laundry room.

6. Spilling liquid on carpet can lead to mold growth in carpet pads. Even if you think you've completely dried carpet dampened by spills or leaks, moisture in the carpet padding is difficult to remove and mold can grow quickly in damp areas you can't see.

7. Watch outside walls for mold growth, especially if there's furniture against them blocking air circulation. Cool outside walls in closets can have mold growth.

Tips & Warnings

• Get rid of mold by cleaning, disinfecting and drying surfaces. Fix leaks, increase air flow and use dehumidifiers. Insulate walls and use storm windows to eliminate condensation.
• Mold can grow as quickly as 24 to 48 hours after an area is affected by moisture. Dry wet areas immediately to prevent mold growth.

Resources

• Guidelines for cleaning up mold