1. Diffusers

Chances are you have a few essential oil diffusers around your house or office. They are the optimal environment for mold to thrive in since it is a small dark space with sitting water. 

To prevent mold from growing, clean out your diffuser on a regular basis by filling it about halfway with warm water and 10 drops of vinegar and let it run for 5 minutes. Afterwards, use a vinegar soaked cotton swab to wipe down the inside, rinse, and dry thoroughly. Also, look for oils that have natural antifungal capabilities like tea tree oil, (1) to diffuse in your home and help fight off any potential mold-growth.

     2. Food

Food is probably one of the places you’d least expect mold to be hiding. If you can’t see it visibly growing on your food, shouldn’t it be safe to eat? Not exactly. Certain foods like coffee, corn, rice, and dried fruit can actually contain (2) high levels of mycotoxins that when eaten might not make you sick immediately, but when eaten consistently over time can trigger or exacerbate (3) chronic health problems. To greatly minimize your exposure, choose organic whenever possible.

     3. Mattresses

The bed you sleep on every night could very well be moldy. The foam used in mattresses is the perfect environment for mold growth when combined with the mixture of humidity in the air, body heat, sweat, and circulating dust. 

Keep these types of mold at bay by keeping your house’s humidity down with a dehumidifier, changing your sheets regularly, rotating your mattress, and letting in as much light as possible since mold thrives in the dark.

     4. Windows

Where there is moisture, mold is quick to follow. (4) Windows are constantly exposed to moisture from rain, snow, humidity, and condensation. Keep mold away by cleaning windows on a regular basis and making sure that window seals are properly installed since a broken seal can let in more moisture that ends up sitting there and facilitating mold growth.

     5. Cutting boards

If you like to cook, you probably use a cutting board on a regular basis. And if you have a wood cutting board, all that chopping, dicing, and washing can cause moisture and bacteria to build up within the wood’s pores. To avoid mold growth, hand wash your board with dish soap and hot water and wipe dry with a towel, sitting it upright to air dry completely.

     6. Carpets and furniture

Any sort of carpet or upholstery traps dust and dirt that can feed mold spores. All you need is moisture - like in the case of a leak or spill - and its game over. Keep your house mold-free by dusting and vacuuming on a regular basis and drying any spills as soon as they happen. 

     7. Water pipes

It’s possible (5) to have mold in the water of your toilet, shower, and kitchen and bathroom sinks. While it might not make you sick immediately, it can build up in your body over time and contribute to ongoing symptoms.

     8. Toothbrush holders

Mold thrives in dark, damp areas and your toothbrush holder is the perfect environment. When you place your toothbrush in an open container, the water from your toothbrush drips down to the bottom of the container and sits there. Make sure to wash, rinse, and fully dry your toothbrush holder on a regular basis to avoid any potential mold growth.

     9. Plants

Yes, plants can get moldy (6) too! Too much water can cause mold to grow on the interior of the pot as well as the soil itself. Be careful not to overwater your plants - for their health and yours!

     10. Cars

Just like how your carpet and furniture can harbor mold, so can your car. The upholstery in your car can be a breeding ground for mold growth with any spills or moisture left sitting. Protect your interior from outside moisture and mold spores by keeping your windows rolled up and be sure to dry the interior after any spills.

While we are continuously learning more about how mold affects our health, one thing is for sure - it’s something we shouldn’t continue to overlook. Not everyone is going to be affected by mold the same way, but it’s always important to be aware of how certain things affect our health - both negatively and positively.

If you suspect mold might be an issue for you, start by addressing these common areas mold might be hiding in your life, and talk with your doctor about what you can do to continue making moves to a healthier home and a healthier you.

For further reading on mold, check out my articles on the top signs of mold exposure, foods most likely to contain mold, and what you can do to overcome mold toxicity issues.

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