Mold Cleanup: 5 Of The Dirtiest Places In Your Home

Warning: this article might lead you to wash your hands repeatedly and embark on a mold cleanup mission throughout your home! At Certified Restoration, we often tackle flood-damaged properties and the ensuing mold cleanup. While we’re experts in restoring homes after water damage, it’s essential to address everyday cleanliness as well. Here are five surprisingly dirty spots in your home, along with tips to keep them clean and prevent mold buildup.

1 – Kitchen Sponge

Did you know your kitchen sponge could be one of the germiest items in your home? Food particles trapped in sponges create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and mold. These sponges are often moist, dark, and warm—perfect conditions for mold to thrive.

Solution: To clean your sponge, soak it in water and microwave it for two minutes before each use. This method can kill up to 99% of bacteria. For added safety, soak it in a bleach solution for five minutes once a week.

2 – Bath Mat

Bath mats are frequently damp from shower water and take a long time to dry due to bathroom condensation. They can harbor bacteria and mold, especially since bathroom floors are among the most contaminated areas.

Solution: Wash bath mats weekly according to their care instructions. Always disinfect the floor before replacing the mats to avoid recontamination.

3 – Towels

Reusing towels several times may seem harmless, but they can accumulate dead skin cells and bacteria. If not air-dried properly, damp towels can develop mold within a day.

Solution: Ensure towels are fully air-dried between uses and replace them at least once a week.

4 – Coffee Maker

While coffee makers use boiling water, they often don’t heat up enough to eliminate bacteria and mold that may grow in the water tank or piping. When was the last time you cleaned yours?

Solution: Run a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar through your coffee maker at least once a month. Don’t forget to deep clean and sanitize all parts of the machine at the same time.

5 – Laundry Basket

Dirty clothes can sit in your laundry basket for days or weeks, accumulating bacteria from sweat and dirt. This can lead to mold growth in the hamper itself.

Solution: Use separate bags for dirty and clean clothes, and wash the dirty clothes bag with your laundry. Disinfect plastic laundry baskets weekly.

Maintaining a clean and disinfected home is a vital but ongoing task. If you don’t regularly check potential problem areas—like roofs, pipes, basements, and carpets—bigger mold cleanup issues may arise. Water line breaks can lead to flood damage and mold, in which case you’ll need to call a trusted water damage restoration company like Certified Restoration for professional help.

If you have questions about protecting your home from water damage or mold cleanup issues, reach out to us anytime at (619) 373-0585. We’re here to help, 24/7!

“Disclaimer: This article is for general information ONLY and is not intended to be legal, medical, or scientific advice. The proper approach to each project must be determined on a case-by-case basis. Certified Restoration always recommends that you call a certified restoration professional, especially when there are children, elderly, or individuals with health conditions residing in the property. “