We’ve talked about mold in our attic, mold in our basement, and mold in our bathroom, but what about some of the areas of the house that might provide the perfect environment for mold growth?
Anyplace with a faucet might come to mind due to possible leaks and that source of moisture, but what about mold in your laundry room? Think about it – you have a giant machine that fills up with water on a regular basis to clean your clothes and you have another machine that emits a significant amount of heat when you’re drying your clothes.
That’s a winning combination in any mold colony’s eyes.
Before you declare yourself a regular at the local laundromat, let’s go over some tips that can help keep your laundry room mold-free.
Tips for a Mold-Free Laundry Room
With moisture and humidity ramping up on a regular basis in your laundry room, there are a few steps you can take that will help achieve a mold-free laundry room.
Current Water Damage
Before you do anything else, check the room for any possible leaks from your washing machine or any other sources of water in the room. This could be behind your washer and around the base of it. If you see any signs such as water stains, locate the source of the leak and repair that first.
No Damp Towels!
I’m not strictly including towels in this section because it goes for all clothes. If you have any items of clothing that have gotten wet or are even the slightest bit damp, don’t pile them up in a laundry basket. If you’re like me, you might leave a laundry basket for a couple days at a time. (Before you judge me, know that we have an abundance of laundry baskets in our house, so it’s not like I’m forcing my family to wear dirty clothes.)
When you leave damp clothing or towels laying around you’re giving mold the perfect opportunity to start its own little family. Instead, place all wet or damp items directly into the washing machine. Not only will this make your mother proud of you for adulting so well, it’ll help keep mold at bay.
When’s the Last Time You Cleaned Your Washer?
Did you know that you’re supposed to clean your washer?
I’m in my thirties and I didn’t. (My mother was appalled and felt like a failure.)
It’s true. Your washer is supposed to be cleaned on a regular basis and detergent companies even sell special detergents and packets to clean it with. Your washer will have instructions on how to do it, or you can be like me and just call your mom.
Proper Ventilation
Good ventilation is key when you’re trying to prevent mold and this includes the vent for your dryer. Do regular checks to make sure it’s free of lint and debris. This will help keep the air flowing properly and the heat from the dryer can escape to the outside. With less heat you have less humidity and with less humidity, you have less mold. It’s a win-win for everyone.
The Pros Know
If you find mold in your laundry room (or anywhere else in your house for that matter) and aren’t sure what to do, contact us. We can help you come up with a plan to remove the mold and get you and your family back to a mold-free life.
Photo by Andy Fitzsimon on Unsplash
