Mold is common in American homes. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, around 47% of homes in the country have visible mold or mold odor.
Kitchens have moisture, warmth, and food sources. Since mold thrives in dark, damp spaces, the design of kitchens, with their sinks, appliances, and concealed cabinets, can create the perfect environment for mold growth.
Mold is a serious problem for many reasons. It contaminates food and can cause a number of health issues. For example, those with allergies and respiratory problems can suffer from mold in the house. So, finding causes and removing mold becomes a necessity.
What Causes Mold in the Kitchen?
Mold spores need a food source and moisture to survive and thrive, and kitchens have everything that mold spores need to live and grow. If you are also wondering why mold loves your kitchen, you are at the right place!
Here are the common causes of mold growth in the kitchen:
1. Water Leaks, Dampness, And Humidity
Water leaks due to a leaking faucet, broken dishwasher, or faulty pipe are common. In fact, water leaks go unnoticed for a long time, leading to moisture accumulation in the kitchen.
In addition, cooking releases steam that can settle on surfaces, especially if the kitchen lacks proper ventilation. This enhances the overall humidity level in the kitchen.
The combination of moisture due to water leaks and humidity due to cooking creates an ideal environment for mold growth on walls, ceilings, and even under sinks.
2. Darkness, Moisture, And Supply Of Food
Mold thrives in dark, damp areas with a steady food supply. Moisture is unavoidable in kitchens due to cooking, cleaning, and food preparation. A kitchen’s hidden places, like sinks, cabinets, corners, etc., don’t get much light and can accumulate food particles, grease, and organic matter, which is a good food source for mold.
When moisture combines with darkness and food, it leads to rapid mold growth. In fact, mold takes less than a day to grow in these conditions. That is why it is recommended to keep an eye on and clean your kitchen regularly.
3. Trash Cans And Garbage Disposals
Trash cans and garbage disposals create a perfect breeding ground for mold. The combination of food waste, moisture, and darkness creates an ideal environment for mold spores to multiply. So, it is recommended to empty and clean your trash cans and garbage disposals regularly.
4. Fridge And Food Storage-Related Mold
If you think the temperature inside your refrigerator is too low for mold to grow, you are wrong. Have you ever heard of refrigerator mold?
While lower temperatures inhibit mold growth, they don’t eliminate the risk. Mold loves to grow on spoiled or expired food. If old food is left in the fridge for too long, mold will start to develop, which can further spread to other food items.
In addition, condensation can contribute to mold growth on surfaces, shelves, and even in the gasket around the door. So, checking and cleaning your fridge and food storage areas is essential.
5. Kitchen Tools And Appliances
Kitchen tools and appliances are often overlooked when it comes to mold prevention. Items like dish sponges, cutting boards, and kitchen towels can retain moisture and harbor mold if they are not properly dried.
In addition, appliances such as coffee makers, blenders, and microwaves that come into contact with food and moisture are also at risk of developing mold if they are not cleaned regularly.
So, make sure you clean your wooden tools and electric appliances regularly. And when you store them, make sure they are dry. In addition, never leave damp dish sponges in the sink.
6. Spoiled Food
Spoiled food is one of the most obvious causes of mold in the kitchen. When food starts to rot, it becomes a feeding ground for mold spores, which can quickly spread throughout your kitchen.
Mold can grow on any type of food, but it is particularly common on fruits, vegetables, bread, and dairy products. So, leaving food out on the counter for too long can lead to mold growth.
That is why experts recommend you store your food properly in the refrigerator and avoid long-term storage.
7. Poor Ventilation
Last but not least, poor ventilation in the kitchen is a common cause of mold growth. Steam from cooking and moisture from cleaning can accumulate in the kitchen. And without proper ventilation, moisture has nowhere to go. This can lead to mold formation on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
Proper kitchen ventilation not only reduces humidity and prevents moisture buildup but also eliminates the chances of mold growth. So, make sure you pay attention to the ventilation when designing your kitchen.
What are the Signs of Mold in the Kitchen?
When mold grows, it releases microscopic spores known as mycotoxins. These spores are small in size and toxic in nature. When inhaled, ingested, or absorbed by the body, they can lead to various health issues, especially for people with allergies, respiratory issues, and weak immune systems.
The most common symptoms are:
- Respiratory Issues
- Allergic Reactions
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nasal Congestion
- Skin Irritation
- Joint and muscle pain
- Cold/flu-like symptoms
- Mood swings
- Anxiety and depression
- Musty odor
- Visible mold
Note: No two people react to mold exposure the same. So, even if you don’t experience health issues, there is a possibility of mold in the kitchen. So, make sure you take preventative measures to ensure people around you don’t suffer from chronic illness.
Prime Locations for Kitchen Mold Growth
Kitchen molds are commonly found in dark, moist, and poorly ventilated areas. It includes:
- Under Sinks
- Behind Appliances
- Inside Cabinets
- Around Windows
- Near the Refrigerator
- In Pantry Areas
- On Ceilings and Walls
- In Trash Cans and Garbage Disposals
How to Clean and Prevent Mold in Your Kitchen?
Did you know that even a small spot of mold can quickly spread into your whole kitchen? Mold toxicity can be difficult to diagnose and even harder to treat. So, if your kitchen or house has mold, you should clean it ASAP and take preventive measures for future growth.
So, let’s discuss a few tips to clean and prevent mold in your kitchen:
1. Clean Your Kitchen Regularly
Mold loves organic material, be it dust, dirt, or food. Food sources are abundant in the kitchen. Spills of food and liquid are inevitable in the kitchen, but you can clean your kitchen to prevent mold.
In addition, the sink and drain of the kitchen are always in contact with water. So, make sure you clean them to prevent mold under the kitchen sink. If there is any water damage, make sure you address it immediately, as mold can grow within 24 hours after the water damage.
2. Throw Away Spoiled Food
It is common for people to keep the food in the fridge and forget about it. However, keeping leftover food in the refrigerator for a long time can contribute to mold growth. In addition, spoiled vegetables and fruits can also be a breeding ground for mold.
That is why it is recommended to periodically check your fridge to ensure no moldy food is left over in the fridge. And if you often throw veggies and fruits, try to find the cause, which will help you save some extra money.
3. Run Your Garbage Disposal And Empty Your Trash Can Daily
Food particles in garbage disposals and trash cans are a perfect breeding ground for mold. In fact, mold starts to grow within 24 hours. That is why it is good to empty your garbage disposals and trash cans regularly.
You can also pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to get rid of bacteria. You can also add a cup of baking soda with vinegar to the sink to clean your garbage disposals.
Remember to wash your trash cans with detergent at least twice a month. Use trash bags to keep them clean for a long time.
4. Wash Dishes Daily
Mold thrives in moist, humid, and dirty environments. Piling up dishes in the sink can encourage mold growth. And when moisture combines with rotten food, it leads to more bacteria growth that is harmful to your health.
So, don’t keep the dishes in the sink. Wash the wooden spatulas and other items immediately after use with hot water and soap. When you need to store the utensils, dry them properly.
5. Clean Appliances After Use
It is a common misconception that mold spores don’t grow in a microwave due to radiation. However, this is not true; mold can easily grow inside the microwave oven. So, make sure you clean your microwave after use.
Your kitchen also includes other electronic appliances, such as blenders, coffee pots, etc. These appliances are usually closed, covered, and sealed when not in use. As a result, they trap moisture, leading to mold growth. So, wash and wipe those appliances as well after use.
6. Clean The Kitchen Cabinets And Storage Spaces
Cabinets and storage spaces often attract moisture, grease, and dirt, so mold is common inside the kitchen cabinets and storage spaces. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention before storing kitchen items and make sure all the items you store are completely dry. To prevent mold in kitchen cabinets, make sure you clean them at least once a month.
7. Periodically Check For Leaks
Pipe leaks, minor or major, can cause several issues, including mold growth. In fact, sometimes pipe leaks go unnoticed for several days due to being hidden behind cabinets or under the sink.
So, it is essential to periodically check for leaks in your kitchen to avoid water damage, as mold can start growing within 24 hours in damp areas. Ensure that all pipes, faucets, and appliances like dishwashers are in good condition and free of leaks.
8. Turn The Stove Fan On When Cooking
Cooking results in the steam that can significantly enhance the humidity level in the kitchen. So, make sure you open the windows or kitchen vents. Use a stove fan or chimney to remove the excess moisture from the kitchen.
9. Avoid Carpets And Rugs In The Kitchen
Carpets and rugs tend to absorb moisture and bacteria a lot. And mold loves these types of conditions. So, make sure you don’t use carpets or rugs in your kitchen.
10. Maintain Humidity Between 35-50%
As mentioned above, steam from cooking, boiling water, and washing dishes can enhance the humidity level. Mold thrives in humid environments. So, it is recommended to use a dehumidifier in the kitchen to maintain the humidity level of your kitchen. You can use a hygrometer to check the humidity level and minimize mold risk.
11. Don’t Put Wet Dishes or Items in Cabinets
In order to ensure a mold-free kitchen, always store dishes and other items completely dry. Moisture lingering on dishes, when stored in cabinets, creates a perfect environment for mold to develop. Be diligent about drying dishes thoroughly before placing them back in storage. This simple practice can drastically reduce the chances of mold on kitchen cabinets, keeping your kitchen cleaner and healthier.
12. Toss the Kitchen Sponge
Kitchen sponges are notorious for harboring bacteria and mold because they remain damp and often contain food particles. To prevent mold, it’s crucial to replace your kitchen sponge regularly—ideally every week.
Consider using a dish brush that can be more easily cleaned and dried, or opt for washable, reusable dishcloths that you can toss in the laundry.
13. Add Ventilation
Proper ventilation is key to preventing mold in the kitchen. Install an exhaust fan over your stove and near any major moisture sources to help remove excess humidity from cooking and washing dishes.
Ensure that the ventilation system expels the air outside rather than recirculating it within the home. Regularly check and clean the filters to maintain optimal airflow.
14. Use Mold-Resistant Paint
For areas prone to moisture, such as the kitchen, using mold-resistant paint can provide an additional layer of protection against mold growth.
These paints are formulated with antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of mold on painted surfaces. Consider applying mold-resistant paint on walls and ceilings in your kitchen to help prevent mold buildup over time.
15. Seek Professional Help
If you notice persistent mold issues or large areas of contamination, it might be time to call in the professionals. Mold remediation specialists can assess the situation, identify the source of moisture, and remove the mold safely and effectively. They also ensure that mold is eradicated properly and can also prevent future occurrences by addressing the underlying issues.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know the common causes of mold in the kitchen and how to address them, you can take proactive steps to maintain a cleaner and healthier environment. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and attention to moisture management are key strategies to prevent mold growth.
Always stay vigilant about potential moisture sources and take swift action if you spot signs of mold. Remember, a clean and dry kitchen is less inviting to mold, and maintaining it doesn’t just improve your home’s cleanliness but also enhances the overall well-being of its occupants.
And if you are already struggling with mold in your kitchen, you can seek help from Above & Beyond. Established in 1998, Above & Beyond is a trusted service provider of mold remediation in New Jersey. We have a team of experienced technicians who are certified by MICRO CMI & CMRC, ESA, and IICRC. We can help you ensure a mold-free house.
So, Don’t let mold take over the most essential room in your home. Contact us to schedule your consultation now!