Experts have revealed the unlikely spots in your home that could be harboring ‘hidden’ toxins. 

Last month, a viral social media post exposed the dangers lurking inside a person’s dishwasher. 

For several months, the Reddit user’s five- and seven-year-old children were plagued by what seemed to be a ‘persistent stomach bug,’ which they attributed to ‘school germs.’

The situation escalated when their grandmother, a regular visitor, was rushed to urgent care after a weekend stay, prompting the poster to recognize their own symptoms and decide to investigate further. 

Upon seeking medical attention, the doctor inquired whether they had checked their dishwasher, as it can be a ‘prime breeding ground for mold, fungus, and bacteria.’

The poster shared their experience: ‘I went back home, grabbed a flashlight, opened the filter and rubber gaskets, and it was shocking. There was mold everywhere. The musty smell I had been ignoring suddenly made perfect, albeit unpleasant, sense. 

‘I feel conned by my own “favorite appliance” I thought I could rely on to keep my family safe.’

Home inspection specialists informed Daily Mail that kitchen appliances such as dishwashers, fridges, and microwaves are ‘prime mold zones’ because of constant moisture and water presence.

Mold can appear on walls, under floors or even inside appliances. Experts have revealed to Daily Mail the hidden spots it can lurk (stock image)

If not regularly checked or dried properly, ‘lingering dampness’ can lead to mold spreading to other parts of the home, potentially triggering allergic reactions and respiratory issues for individuals with asthma or other breathing problems. 

Robert Weltz, principal & founder of mold inspection agency RTK Environmental Group, told Daily Mail: ‘Mold can spread from these devices to other parts of your home, and that can be detrimental to your health.’

And it’s not just the kitchen. They warned bathroom sinks, attics, basements and even wood floors aren’t safe from mold.

Mold typically takes just one to two days to begin growing, though it can take weeks or months for more obvious signs like odors and visible stains to appear. 

Mold spores have been shown to trigger severe allergic reactions in about five to 10 percent of the population, leading to congestion, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes and skin rashes, according to the CDC. 

However, there are several types of mold that are more dangerous than others.  

The most severe form, black mold, produces dangerous chemical compounds called mycotoxins that, when inhaled repeatedly, cause cognitive impairment, mood changes, asthma-like symptoms, headaches, coughs, muscle aches and autoimmune responses. 

When the body detects toxins, such as spores in the air, the immune system launches a massive defense, sending out a storm of inflammatory chemicals called cytokines that act like emergency alarms.

Inflammatory cytokines can travel throughout the body via the bloodstream and reach every organ system, including the endocrine system and the brain. 

Mold then triggers inflammation, damages tissues and attacks vital cells and neurons.

Sara Smith, 28, her husband, Colin, moved into their dream home in Columbus in April 2024. But after months of congestion and itchy skin, social media users commented on her ‘ugly’ selfies and suggested she check her home for mold. Smith is pictured at right while suffering from mold exposure

In addition to dishwashers, Weltz pointed to spots behind sinks and refrigerators as other common culprits, as well as dark and poorly ventilated areas like attics and basements.

He said: ‘These areas are constantly exposed to moisture from cooking, washing dishes, and taking showers. Common mold-prone spots include behind sinks, under dishwashers, around toilets, and in shower stalls.

‘These areas trap moisture [such as] leaks, condensation [and] poor ventilation, so growth can remain out of sight until odors or damage appear.’ 

The attic, for example, falls victim to the ‘stack effect,’ which occurs when warm air rises to the highest point in your home, bringing moisture with it. 

This ‘can cause moisture to accumulate, creating an ideal environment for mold growth,’ Weltz told Daily Mail. 

Basements are also the most common area of the house for flooding, which brings high levels of moisture. Weltz advised checking the walls, underneath floorboards and inside insulation materials in basements for mold every few months. 

Laundry rooms also are prone to high humidity due to the washers and dryers, so Weltz suggests checking inside washing machines and underneath laundry room sinks. 

And don’t ignore air conditioning units and HVAC systems, which may show black spots or not blow air as strongly as previously. 

Soon after buying their dream home in 2021, Alexandra and Jefte Campos (pictured above) began experiencing constant sickness, fatigue and respiratory issues

Jefte (pictured left) was hospitalized for a week due to mold in the family’s home. The family’s autistic son (pictured right) also suffered skill regression due to the illness

If signs of mold appear in your house, Weltz suggests washing the area with water and detergent. Dehumidfiers and vent fans can also help reduce moisture and dry an area. 

However, if the area is larger than two by two feet, ‘a commercial cleaning or remediation company is your best bet.’

Weltz said: ‘Because mold is often hidden, growing on the back sides of walls and sheetrock, and under carpets and floorboards, the only way to be sure is to have a mold inspection performed by a certified professional. Do-it-yourself testing kits are generally unreliable. 

‘Mold spores are lightweight and tiny and spread easily, so it’s very easy for someone not accustomed to working with mold to cross-contaminate “clean” areas of their home with contaminated areas.’ 

Weltz points to the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC) as a source for finding certified mold inspectors.