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Mold spores thrive in dark, damp areas, making your kitchen a hotspot for a problem. When these spores spread, they can cause health issues that mirror cold symptoms as well as skin irritations and allergic reactions for those with compromised respiratory systems. Here’s a closer look at five areas in the kitchen that need regular housekeeping to fend off mold growth.

Common Areas for Mold in Your Kitchen

1. Garbage Disposal

As efficient as garbage disposals are, there are times when food particles will get stuck in the blades. Over time, if this food residue isn’t purged, mold will grow along with bacteria. You may also notice your disposal doesn’t break down foods as well as it used to. To remove old food stuck to your disposal, send half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of white vinegar down the drain.

2. Underneath the Sink

Pipes underneath the sink may hold moisture, and when mixed with warmth trapped inside cabinets, the perfect conditions for spores are created. If those pipes are leaking, the problem may grow even worse.

First, call a plumber to repair leaky pipes and fixtures. To clean the mold, you may use a bleach solution, but avoid this if you have stainless steel. For more natural approaches, try white vinegar.

Another way that mold can find its way under your sink is when the seal between the sink and counter top is either loose or broken. That allows water to fall between the sink and counter top, often resulting in mold. If this is not cleaned up as soon as possible, you run the risk of eventually needing the sink and counter top entirely replaced.

3. Refrigerator Drip Tray

Refrigerators have drip trays to catch water. This water eventually evaporates, but while it’s there—or if the tray overflows—mold is a possibility. Clean out and dry the drip tray regularly to stop moisture from accumulating. If the flooring underneath has been affected, call a professional housekeeping service to help you attack the affected area and keep it clean and sanitized.

4. Microwave & Stove

housekeepingKeeping up with stove and microwave cleaning is vital for stopping mold growth. These appliances harbor moisture from food and the cooking process, but eliminating stains will reduce the chances of an issue. Gently rub particularly tough areas with baking soda and water.

5. Cutting Boards

Bacteria and mold can form in the crevices of your cutting boards, which can make you sick if you continue to use them for food prep. Reducing wetness, even while cutting, is helpful, and a clean towel can help curb excess moisture.

Clean plastic cutting boards in the dishwasher or with hot, soapy water. For wood, sanitize with a tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of water or one part white vinegar and four parts water, letting the board soak for a few minutes.

 

When you need a professional service to deep-clean your kitchen and prevent mold growth, trust VesCo Residential Cleaning. Located in Maineville, OH, this family-owned housekeeping service brings more than a decade of experience to every job. Their list of options ranges from regular house cleaning to construction cleanup, and their flexible scheduling makes it easy to get the services you need when you need them. Call (513) 683-8888 for kitchen cleaning and more or visit their website for their online contact form.

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