How can you help keep your home free from mold growth? Mold growth not only undermines the structural integrity of your home but may also adversely affect your health. It can easily spread to different areas of your home and break down the affected compositions. Prolonged exposure to mold spores can be extremely dangerous for you and your family. More importantly, mold often grows in areas that aren’t easy to spot, and by the time you notice it, the damage is already done. If you’re able to find it earlier on, you might be able to prevent costly damage to your home and stay safe. Here are some places mold grows in: Bathroom Mold often grows in bathtubs and showers because they tend to be damp. Without proper ventilation, mold spores will develop and begin to thrive. But that's not the only area that remains wet. Fixtures such as toilets and sinks are critical areas to check as well. After use, if their surfaces aren't properly dried, mold may start to grow. Mold isn’t always obvious and visible. It can develop around the showerhead and faucet, behind and inside the tank of the toilet, underneath the sink, and around the base of the tub.  Water from the tub or shower may leak into the wall, baseboard, and floor. Be sure to check for mold growth in these areas. Kitchen   Your kitchen is particularly vulnerable to mold growth. From dirty dishes to wet sponges, so many things pile up on your kitchen sink and water keeps on dripping from the faucet. All these aspects lead to the collection of bacteria, which fosters mold growth. Leaky pipes underneath your kitchen sink are among the culprits too. So don’t forget to keep an eye on them. Mold may also develop in refrigerators due to expiring food. Avoid storing old food in it and wipe the internal surfaces regularly. The stove, microwave, and worktops are prone to spillages and grease splatters, so they are breeding grounds for mold. Also, the area behind the windows and window sills, trash cans, cutting boards, etc., are like heaven for mold growth. Thus, you should keep them clean and dry after use. Bedroom and Living Room The humidity in your home significantly impacts mold growth in your home. The more humid your home is, the greater the opportunity for mold spores to thrive. Humidity in the home should be kept between 30 and 40% and no more than 50%. Likewise, mold may grow on the heating vents of your air conditioners so that’s another area to check and clean. If water keeps on dripping from your air conditioner, get this fixed as soon as you can because mold will most certainly grow wherever the dripping water reaches. Service Team of Professionals (STOP) is certified for mold remediation. Mold remediation requires knowledge of pathogens and the proper use of containment, air flow, and cleaning and disinfecting products. STOP Metrowest, based in Holliston MA, assesses the circumstances and plans for the right products and follows precautionary systems for each unique situation. STOP Metrowest is an IICRC Certified Firm - safe, quality, and compassionate service is our priority! STOP understands the seriousness of your situation and strives to provide a rapid response for any situation in Framingham MA or other Metrowest MA communities like Sudbury MA, Southborough MA, and Wellesley MA. Call Service Team of Professionals 508-753-3780. To learn more about mold remediation, call visit STOP Metrowest.