5 Sneaky Places Mold Can Hide in Your Home

Stop an annoying and potentially dangerous problem before it spreads.

It likely comes as no surprise that mold and mildew can ruin household goods and be dangerous to your health, potentially causing health issues like itchy eyes, coughing, and sneezing or worse.

But while you may be on top of the obvious places mold can grow — baseboards in damp basements, shower curtains, and other places exposed to excessive water with poor ventilation and no direct sunlight — there are some spots that homeowners often overlook until they become a serious problem. But with a little home maintenance and awareness, you’ll be able to steer clear of mold issues in these surprising spots.

1. The detergent chamber of your washing machine.
"Dark and damp are the two factors needed for mold to grow. To prevent mold from growing in here, keep the drawer open after every wash so that the chamber can dry out," says real estate professional and home style expert Sabine Schoenberg. "Stay away from creating a damp, dark place—that’ll only attract the mold!"

2. Inside chimneys.
Rusted chimney caps can let in rain and snow, encouraging mold to grow and collect inside brick crevices. To avoid chimney mold, you may want to consider hiring a chimney sweep to give yours a thorough cleaning once a year, which will not only keep it mold-free, but operating efficiently.

3. Under windowsills and sink cabinets.
"Where there is a leaky window or a leaky pipe, over time there will be mold," says Schoenberg. "Don’t take leaks around windows and doors or under the sink lightly—mold issues can arise faster than you can say, 'I’ll get to it tomorrow.'" To get rid of mold in these areas, first open the windows and don safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask and cover the floor with a tarp. Then scrub the area with a nylon brush and a mixture of one part bleach and three parts warm water, and let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with clear water. Dry thoroughly with a fan before closing the window again.

4. Dishes.
Do you ever put your dishes away while they're still a little damp? Be aware that this could create the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow — especially if you're not using those dishes regularly. If you spot mildewy dishes in your cabinet, run them through your dishwasher and wipe your cabinets down with a vinegar soaked cloth. While you're at it, give your dish drainer a good cleaning, too. And next time, make sure dishes are bone-dry before putting them away.

5. Leather car seats. 
If you park your car in a damp garage, be aware that mold loves to grow on leather. "Avoid this costly mold clean by making sure your garage has airflow," says Schoenberg. "When a garage or basement feels dank, there will likely be a mold issue at some point in time. To prevent this, you can install proper venting right away."




Read more- http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning-organizing/mold-hiding-spots