The sight of mold on home appliances is frightening and dangerous. Mold grows in places where moisture lives. This includes appliances such as your refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to help you through mold prevention.
Dishwasher
Dishwashers can grow mold due to a mixture of water and food. They have a lot of small compartments that trap bits of food and moisture. There are a few tips for keeping these problems under control.
Rinsing your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher will help avoid getting small bits of food trapped in the interior panels. You can also remove the silverware baskets to hand wash and dry them to make sure there isn’t any food stuck in the creases. Once a week you can run the heat-dry function to kill any fungus on the surface. When you are finished using your dishwasher, leave the door open for a short while to allow it to dry completely before closing it back up.
Washing Machine
Washing machines use a lot of water which makes them easily impacted by mold. When your clothes have ended their cycle, the inside of the washing machine remains wet, creating room for fungus to build.
After each cycle, hand dry the tub strainer and door gasket with a towel to remove any lingering water. Leave the door of your washing machine open for a short amount of time to allow the inside to dry completely. Refer to the user’s manual for proper cleaning of your machine. In addition, once a month, clean the detergent drawers, drum, and door creases of grime and build-up.
Refrigerator
A refrigerator should be checked regularly for mold. This is important to avoid exposure to food and drink. Wiping down your fridge may not be enough to combat mold or mildew build up. Here are a few tips that will make mold prevention easier.
Spills and food droppings should be cleaned up immediately. Deep clean your fridge once a month. This includes removing all trays and drawers, cleaning them, and drying them.
Also, clean the inside of all compartments and dry them by hand. A small scrub brush or toothbrush can be used to clean door creases, corners, and stuck-on stains. Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are convenient materials to keep your fridge clean and mold-free.
Mold Remediation
The scary thing about mold is that it hides. Even with these prevention methods, mold can find somewhere to grow. It helps to contact a team to check for hidden problem areas. Extreme Carpet Care is a company with more than two decades of experience in mold remediation and removal. For more information on the services we provide, contact us today.
