How to Prevent Mold Growth in your Kitchen
5/22/2018 (Permalink)
Since food is stored in the kitchen (most of the times), keeping your kitchen clean and well-aired will have a major impact on your food’s life. For example, mold will develop anywhere where there is a leak, and if you are storing food close to that it can easily transfer from a corner and attack your favorite otherwise fresh food.
In order to prevent mold on food you will have to work on overall kitchen mold prevention. In most cases it includes either ensuring there is enough fresh air or regular cleaning. Here are a few tips that can help you prevent mold in the kitchen
- Mold can grow in the fridge and, thus, it is important to keep the inside of the refrigerator clean. We suggest cleaning it every few months with one tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in a quart of water. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly before storing food again.
- Ensure your food is still fresh by checking it every day or two. Toss away anything that has a sign of mold or that started rotting away.
- Replace sponges at least once a week and always use clean dishcloths and towels. If you notice a musty smell coming from a sponge or towel, replace it immediately.
- Wash the dishes at least once a day. Don’t leave food leftovers in your sink behind you once you are done with the meal. Throw them away immediately. If you are in a rush, keep your dishes under water to prevent food stains from hardening until you can wash them properly.
- Mold can be found in dishwasher and garbage disposals. It can be the reason behind the odors, thus keeping it clean should be your priority. At least once a week pour baking soda, salt and vinegar (or lemon) own the sink and leave it for 10 minutes. After that all you have to do is pour boiled water to wash it up and your disposal and sink will be clean, mold-free and refreshed.
- Kitchen tools, especially wooden ones should be washed and well dried before set aside, because wood is one of the favourite food for mold. All you have to do is simply wash them after you used them and leave them to dry well somewhere where it is not wet and it has enough fresh air and light.
- Don’t forget about unused kitchen appliances. They are often sealed and if not well dried, mold can form due to water evaporation inside. The best way to prevent mold from developing inside is to ensure it is well dried before storing and, if there is a possibility, keep it open.
- And last but not least, make sure that the relative humidity in your home is between 30% and 50%, especially in the warmer months, when mold is known to flourish. The easiest thing you can do to control the humidity level is to keep your windows open as often as possible. If that is not possible your next steps should be either air vents or even a dehumidifier.
If you find that the mold has spread and become a larger issue in the house, you need to take action. Never hesitate to seek professional help from SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park.