With all the growing concerns about mold and the health hazards that surround it, we need to take a good look at our homes and businesses and learn where the places are that seem to incite mold growth the easiest. You might be surprised at all the places where it can start and then thrive if it is not found and killed.

Outdoor furniture cushions are a place where it likes to grow. Some of theses cushions are made from a waterproofed fabric and will not saturate themselves, but the water and moisture that can remain on the surface will still allow mold growth.

Bringing the cushions indoors during winter seasons is a good idea. Cover the rest of the outdoor furniture with vinyl or plastic to protect them. Clean you outdoor cushions often with products or solutions recommended for them if they are exposed to a lot rain or humidity.

Basements are often damp and dark places where mold loves to grow. If you have old furniture or papers stored down there and there is either moisture from water seeping in somewhere or much humidity, this makes for a perfect mold environment.

Using a humidifier or fan can help reduce the moisture. If your basement is really damp all the time, you might wish to consult a professional to find the best way to diagnose and fix the moisture problem.

Laundry rooms can produce mold when damp or wet clothing is left lying around for very long. A leaking washing machine can cause growth to appear on wooden baseboards. If your dryer is not vented properly, the humidity from the dryer heat, especially if the dryer is located in a basement, can cause enough dampness to produce mold.

Kitchen and bathrooms that do not have proper ventilation can be hot spots for mold. Every time there is steam in a bathroom, it helps to inspire mold growth. Exhaust fans can play a large part in helping to reduce this risk.

Many times people will have exhaust fans in their kitchen or bathrooms and just fail to use them. They can not help with moisture if they are not turned on.

Any where there is a water leak there is the potential for mold. Underneath sinks, around the toilet base, behind a shower wall or bathtub can produce mold if water is present.

Mold behind walls is some of the worst because you do not usually know it is there. This can result in tearing out sheetrock and walls if it is undetected. The best prevention is to check for water leaks often.