As temperatures drop and we spend more time sealed inside, mold becomes a serious threat to our health. We know the usual suspects – the shower, for instance – but did you know that mold can grow behind furniture?
For that reason, mold remediation pros are urging us to check behind our decor this season to get rid of mold before it wrecks our health, and to keep our home fresh for holiday hosting.
Why Mold Grows Behind Furniture
If you're wondering why your house smells musty, but can't pinpoint the cause, it may be hidden mold – more specifically, behind furniture that is tucked too close to the walls.
Jonathan Kirby, mold expert at Dryzone, warns, 'Air trapped behind furniture cools against the walls, causing condensation, which can lead to mold.' That's why it is so important to check behind sofas, bathroom mirrors, beds, and radiators regularly, he adds.
Sam Simon, COO of ServiceMaster Restoration by Simon, warns that, left for too long, mold can establish itself, damaging your walls and your decor, while triggering respiratory illness.
As always, prevention is better than the cure. Sam says, 'The fix is simple: Give your walls room to breathe. Pull furniture a few inches away, use the best dehumidifier if needed, and keep air moving. Regular checks behind heavy furniture can save you a lot of trouble down the line.'
These clear acrylic wall stoppers, from Amazon, can help to keep a gap between your furniture and your wall for constant air flow. You can also use anti-condensation paint on walls prone to temperature changes to deter mold growth in the future.
If you are trying to make heating more efficient in winter, consider shock ventilation to help improve air quality and promote air flow in your home without wasting money on energy bills. An air purifier, such as our top-rated Shark NeverChange Max from Best Buy, can also help to filter out particulate matter such as mold spores if you want to avoid letting cold air in.
Leave gaps between furniture and the wall to prevent mold growth.
If you do discover mold growth on your walls or furniture, we recommend cleaning with vinegar, such as the 30% white vinegar from Walmart.
The acetic acid in white vinegar is more effective than bleach at removing mold spores, without the harsh chemicals, slowly helping you establish a non-toxic home.
Simply spray the affected areas with pure vinegar and allow it to sit for at least half an hour, and up to two hours, before wiping away with a paper towel, such as these Bounty Paper Towels from Walmart.
We suggest wearing cleaning gloves from Target and a respirator mask from Walmart whenever you are dealing with mold to protect your health. Should the mold be extreme, it is a sign that it's time to call the pros to help treat the problem safely.
What to Shop
These furniture spacers create gaps between furniture legs and your wall to avoid furniture being accidentally pressed against surfaces, creating breeding spots for mold.
The Shark NeverChange is rated our number on air purifier with a 5-year HEPA filter that you don't need to constantly maintain.
You don't need harsh chemicals to clean. This extra strength white vinegar can disrupt mold growth without damaging your home.
You should always use disposable paper towels when cleaning mold so you do not risk spreading it around your home on reusable cloths.
This Energy Star dehumidifier can help when you don't want to open windows in winter to maintain humidity indoors, helping to deter mold growth.
Perfect for pre-treating stains, Oxiclean can also be added to your washing machine for an extra stain-fighting boost during the cycle. Or, mix it into a paste and apply to furniture to help lighten and remove lingering mold stains.
Meet the Experts
Sam Simon is a nationally recognized disaster restoration expert and the chief operating officer of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, an award-winning restoration firm serving Chicago, the North Shore, and surrounding suburbs. With over 30 years of experience managing complex residential and commercial losses, Sam is one of the most credentialed professionals in the field, holding IICRC Master certifications in Fire, Water, and Textile Restoration.
Mold on fabrics? Luckily, you can wash mold out of clothes and use the same laundry hacks for freshening up soft furnishings.
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