How to Prevent Mold in the Kitchen

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Use a garbage can that holds about 1 day's worth of garbage and empty it daily to prevent growth of mold.

   Garbage is moist and has organic material where molds can grow.
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   Step 2: Clear old food out of the refrigerator regularly.

   If you think you'll never eat the food, throw it out immediately.
   
   Check the refrigerator thoroughly at least once and dispose of old food. , Compost buckets are one of the worst sources of mold. , Fruit and potatoes are two types of food where mold thrives. , Mold thrives in garbage disposals. , The drip tray--a tray that catches water that condenses and overflows--is usually under the front part of the refrigerator.
   
   Also, clean moisture that gathers on walls around your refrigerator and kitchen range. , Cutting boards are a prime location for mold growth. ,, Check under the sink for leaks regularly. , Opening windows and doors will improve circulation and replace stale household air with fresh air.
   
   If you don't have windows in your kitchen, install ceiling fans and use them whenever you cook. , You can also install a hygrometer to measure humidity in your kitchen.
   
   Relative humidity should be in the 40 to 50 percent range. ,, Clean the sink regularly.
   
   Clean the refrigerator periodically. ,,,
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   Step 3: Keep your compost container covered and empty it daily.

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   Step 4: Check potatoes and fruit every day

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   Step 5: especially if you store them outside the refrigerator.

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   Step 6: Run your garbage disposal at least once a day

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   Step 7: and pour straight vinegar into it once a week.

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   Step 8: Clean the refrigerator drip tray a couple of times a year.

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   Step 9: Reduce mold growth by washing your cutting board weekly with straight vinegar.

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    Step 10: Turn on exhaust fans and vents when cooking or working in the kitchen to prevent humid air in your kitchen.

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    Step 11: Fix any leaks in kitchen sinks and pipes and any other water pipes

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    Step 12: such as the pipe that supplies water to the freezer's ice maker.

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    Step 13: Open windows and doors if weather and climate allow.

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    Step 14: Use a dehumidifier if you live in a climate with high humidity.

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    Step 15: Dry areas damaged or saturated with water within 48 hours to remove any opportunity for mold to grow.

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    Step 16: Use an antibacterial cleanser on your countertops daily.

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    Step 17: Turn on faucet flow as low as possible when running water to prevent water from splashing and spreading on the area around the sink.

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    Step 18: Use tile or other hard surfaces on the floor in your kitchen

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    Step 19: as rugs and carpets are magnets for moisture.

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    Step 20: Use mold-resistant paint in your kitchen.

Detailed Guide

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