The kitchen is one of the most likely places where mold will develop in your home due to the plumbing and moisture. Mold often build-up in hidden places and away from the sun’s reach.
As such, it is usually found in hard-to-reach areas like the underside of your kitchen sink. So, how can you prevent mold around the kitchen sink?
One of the most important things you can do to prevent mold in the kitchen is to ensure that your kitchen is well-insulated, the plumbing system is functional without any leaks, and the windows are adequately weatherproofed.
But despite your best efforts at prevention, mold may grow in your kitchen. Sometimes, it’s a question of how to get rid of the mold rather than how to prevent it.
How To Avoid Mold in Your Kitchen Sink
Mold can be a huge problem for your house and your health as you inhale the spores released into the air.
Depending on the severity of growth and type of mold, the presence of mold can lead to health complications such as coughing, sore throat, stuffy nose, or even an allergic reaction.
Hence, the need to know how to get rid of mold in the kitchen. Below are some tips on how to avoid mold in your kitchen sink.
1. Using Bleach
One of the best ways to get rid of mold and stop it from returning is using bleach. This method of mold removal is pretty cheap and easy.
Here’s how to use bleach to eliminate mold around your kitchen sink.
- Combine 1 teaspoon of bleach with 1 quart of water to create the bleach mixture.
- Apply the mixture to the affected region after that, and allow it to sit there for a while. After that, use a sponge or rag to scrub the area.
- To ensure that there are no traces of bleach remaining, rinse the area with clean water.
- If the mold is tough to remove, you should repeat this procedure several times.
To further protect yourself from the corrosive compounds in bleach, you should use gloves and eye protection. Additionally, clean up spills quickly to keep your sink dry and clean.
To remove any filth or other material that can build up over time, pour boiling water down your drain once a week.
2. Using Baking Soda
You can avoid mold growth in and around your kitchen sink with the help of baking soda.
It is an excellent option for preventing mold because of its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, avoiding mold build-up around your kitchen sink.
Here’s how to use baking soda to eliminate mold around your kitchen sink.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of water to make a paste.
- Cover the affected region with the paste.
- Leave for around 15 minutes before removing with warm water. You may have to carry out this procedure more than once.
3. Using Vinegar
Vinegar is a great natural way to keep mold away from your kitchen sink.
However, you must not make the mistake of mixing vinegar with hydrogen peroxide, as it reacts to produce peracetic acid, which can cause skin or eye irritation.
You should also avoid mixing vinegar with bleach, as the reaction can release toxic chlorine gas.
Here’s how to use vinegar to get rid of mold around your kitchen sink.
- Put equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Then, spray the solution around the sink, walls, countertops, and wherever mold might grow.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away. As vinegar is acidic, it prevents mold from growing and kills spores.
You can make your kitchen mold-free by repeating this process every few weeks.
In cases where mold has already started to grow, you can add more vinegar to the mixture to make it stronger.
4. Using Lemon Juice
Using lemon juice to prevent mold around your kitchen sink is another way to maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen environment.
In addition to citric acid, lemon juice contains volatile oil and sulfur, effectively killing bacteria and mold.
Here’s how to use baking soda to get rid of mold around your kitchen sink.
- Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the liquid onto the affected areas.
- Leave the lemon juice for at least 10 minutes before rinsing with water.
To prevent mold from coming back, make sure to perform this procedure frequently.
You can combine 1 gallon of warm water with 1 cup of lemon juice to produce a homemade cleaning solution.
5. Disposing of Spoiled Food
The kitchen is where we keep and prepare our food; as such, it is crucial to be wary of decaying food.
Rotten food is the best source of organic food; it doesn’t matter if it’s in the refrigerator. Mold can survive both hot temperatures in the microwave and cold temperatures in the fridge.
So, you must check the bottom drawer of your fridge regularly. By doing so, you’ll be able to ensure that no moldy food is leftover. Spoiled food needs to be disposed of properly.
Also, rotten veggies and fruit always breed mold. Dispose of them right away.
Takeaway
The presence of mold in your house can cause severe health problems, but you can easily avoid it if you take the proper steps.
Start by repairing the problem that caused the mold build-up in the first place.
Patch any roof leak, repair leaky faucets, and tighten any pipes causing water damage in your home. Keep a close eye on the sink area and ensure no more leakage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Kitchen Mold?
Kitchen mold is often caused by increased humidity from activities like cooking, washing, or running appliances like a washing machine or a dishwasher.
Poor ventilation in the kitchen can also complicate the issue caused by excess humidity and moisture.
Faulty weatherproofing, sub-quality roofing materials, and defective plumbing can also contribute to mold problems in the house.
Is There a Way To Prevent Mold From Growing in Your Home?
Mold can grow anywhere there is a source of moisture or water. But kitchens are often the location of water spills, leaking pipes, and even floods.
Hence, one of the best ways to prevent mold from growing around the kitchen sink is to immediately clean up spilled water and dispose of any spoiled food.
