How A Range Hood Can Help With Mold In The Kitchen

How A Range Hood Can Help With Mold In The Kitchen

No matter how hard to try to keep your house clean and tidy, it seems that mold always has a way of showing up somewhere unexpectedly. The kitchen is one of the biggest mold traps in the house and people are often finding all sorts of mold and mildew growing on benchtops, in cabinets, and above their cooktop.

We know that many homes have it but what causes mold? Is there anything we can do in our kitchens to stop it from getting out of hand? What types of mold are there and how do they differ? We’ll look at all of these questions so you can finally get on top of this problem that’s been plaguing your kitchen.

Finding mold in kitchen cabinets is common, but the good news is there are some things you can do to prevent it from growing in the first place. With a range hood, you’re able to eliminate a lot of the moisture and emissions that cause mold growth, and we’re going to investigate how it can be so helpful.

Why Does Mold Grow?

Mold Under Microscope

When you discover mold under the kitchen sink or above your cooktop, you could find yourself wondering what the culprit is. The main reason why mold is allowed to grow is moisture, and it seems there are plenty of places in this specific room of the house where it can thrive.

Mold begins in moist environments and then spreads it spores quite quickly. Therefore, getting to the mold before it can even grow is the best line of attack. This means paying careful attention to places that attract moisture or dampness, which in the kitchen can be anywhere from over your cooktop to the corners of the kitchen bench where water might accumulate.

Major Causes Of Mold In The Kitchen

Mold is a pretty versatile type of growth and it thrives in many different areas. When we’re looking at our kitchens specifically, these are some of the common areas or situations where it’s able to grow and what you can do about it.

  • Dark and damp areas: There are lots of hiding spaces in the kitchen where mold can grow. Take some time to open up drawers and cupboards every now and then to let some air and sunlight in and check for mold growth. A quick wipe down with some vinegar could prevent the growth from getting out of control
  • Food supply: Our pantries and fridges are hotspots for mold growth because they have access to many different food sources. Keep food covered in airtight containers and throw anything out that is beginning to look old
  • Leaking taps: Without even realizing it, there could be a plumbing issue in the kitchen that’s causing mold to grow. Leaking taps and pipes create instant moisture that is like heaven for mold growth, so have a plumber check them out if you’re concerned
  • Trash cans: Your garbage disposal and trash cans are prime spots for mold to grow because of the moisture and food sources that are available for it to thrive off. Keep these emptied at the end of the day and disinfect them as required
  • Kitchen appliances: Where we cook food is the most susceptible to mold growth because of the moisture that occurs when we’re heating things, so a range hood is a must. Other appliances and tools like wooden bread boards and benchtop surfaces also need special attention to be dried and cleaned

Can A Range Hood Really Help?

Cooking Under Range Hood

Cooking in the kitchen is a hot job, and whether you’re boiling pasta or stir-frying vegetables, you’re bound to make some condensation from all of this heat. People usually think of their range hood as the appliance that keeps smoke and oil away, but it’s actually one of the best defenses you have against mold as well.

A range hood works at sucking up the hot air that causes condensation, which the condensation being moisture that leads to mold. By attacking the problem before it even begins, you’re eliminating a huge cause of mold in your kitchen.

Without the condensation and moisture that builds up on you benchtop and cooktop, you’ll be creating a mold-free zone in the kitchen.

When your range hood is at work on mold duty, that doesn’t mean you’re never going to experience it again. One common place where mold might like to grow is in the filter or vent of your range hood, so if you’re purchasing a new one, make sure you can easily remove this part for easy cleaning.

A Must Have Appliance For Any Home

Not many people realize just how effective a range hood can be at keeping the kitchen clean and in good condition. They do help a lot with removing smoke and oil from the air, but when you think about how much moisture they’re able to wick away you see just how impressive they really are.

Regardless of the size of the kitchen you have or how it’s laid out, a range hood is one piece of equipment you should never be without. These automatic cleaning devices will mean less effort for you and also a clearer and cleaner space for you to cook in.

Mold is one of those unfortunate parts of life that we can never fully avoid, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do our best to prevent it. Have a look around your kitchen to find the trouble spots for mold growth and do what you can to stop it from getting out of control before the problem becomes too big to handle.

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