Mold is one of those things that tends to creep up when you least expect it. One day everything looks fine — and the next, there’s a musty smell or dark spots in the corner of a room. It’s more than just a cosmetic issue too. Mold can trigger allergies, aggravate asthma, and even damage your home if it’s left unchecked.

With humid climate and wet seasons, it’s not uncommon to find mold growing in spots that don’t get much airflow or are frequently exposed to moisture. Let’s take a closer look at five places around the house where mold often makes itself at home — and what you can do to stop it.

1. Bathroom Ceilings and Tile Grout

Let’s start with the obvious one. Bathrooms are warm, damp, and often don’t get enough ventilation — which makes them a prime environment for mold. You’ll often see it pop up on the ceiling (usually in the corners), around window frames, and in the grout between tiles.

If you’ve ever walked into a bathroom and noticed black or greenish streaks above the shower or along the walls, that’s mold settling in thanks to trapped humidity.

What helps:

• Always use the exhaust fan when showering, or open a window if you’ve got one.
  
• Wipe down wet surfaces like glass screens and tiles when you’re done.
  
• Clean grout regularly — a quick vinegar and bicarb paste can do wonders.
  
• If the mold keeps coming back, it might be worth resealing your grout lines or repainting the ceiling with mold-resistant paint.
  

2. Built-in Wardrobes and Storage Cupboards

You might not think your clothes are at risk, but wardrobes — especially those that sit against exterior walls — can harbor mold too. Closed-up spaces with little air movement and stored items that are slightly damp (like shoes or towels that weren’t fully dry) can turn a wardrobe into a mold factory.

You’ll often spot it first on leather bags or shoes, or along the back wall of the wardrobe. The smell is usually a giveaway — musty, damp, and not very pleasant.

How to reduce the risk:

• Leave the wardrobe doors open occasionally to let the air circulate.
  
• Avoid storing damp clothes or shoes straight after wearing them.
  
• Use moisture absorbers like charcoal pouches or silica gel — they’re cheap and effective.
  
• Keep a small gap between your furniture and the wall to stop trapped moisture.
  

3. Air Conditioning Units

Here’s one that people don’t always think about — your air conditioning unit. Whether it’s ducted, split system, or even a portable model, mold can take hold inside if it’s not regularly cleaned. Moisture can build up inside the filter, drip tray or ducts, and without proper maintenance, it becomes a breeding ground.

Mold in aircon units isn’t just a maintenance issue — it can actually circulate mold spores throughout your home whenever the unit is on.

Prevention tips:

• Clean your filters every few months — more often if you use the AC daily.
  
• Book in a professional clean and service once a year.
  
• If you notice a musty smell when the unit is running, get it checked. That’s often a clear sign mould is inside.
  
• Make sure drainage pipes aren’t blocked or dripping near walls.
  

4. Under the Kitchen Sink

The cupboard under your kitchen sink might be hiding more than just your dish soap and bin liners. Leaky pipes or condensation from cold water lines can lead to dampness in that area — especially if you rarely open the doors or store plastic bags and cleaning bottles that trap moisture.

Timber cabinets can absorb that dampness over time, and that’s when you start to notice dark patches or a persistent odor.

How to avoid it:

• Check for slow leaks under the sink every so often. Even small drips add up.
  
• Don’t overfill the cupboard — the more packed it is, the less airflow.
  
• Line the base with a plastic tray so any leaks are easier to catch and clean.
  
• If you find mold, clean it with vinegar and let the cupboard dry out fully before closing it again.
  

5. Window Frames and Sills

During winter — condensation can build up around windows. That’s because the warm air inside your home hits the cold glass, and moisture forms on the surface. If you’re not wiping it down, that water will run into the frame or sill, and that’s where mold gets a foothold.

Wooden frames are particularly vulnerable, but even aluminum windows with rubber seals can trap water and encourage mold growth.

Keep mold away by:

• Wiping down condensation in the morning during colder months.
  
• Leaving blinds and curtains open to let the sun in and dry things out.
  
• Using a dehumidifier if your home feels especially damp.
  
• Upgrading to double-glazed windows or installing thermal curtains if condensation is a regular problem.
  

Bonus Tip: Keep Indoor Moisture in Check

In many cases, mold is simply a result of too much moisture hanging around for too long. If you’ve got a hygrometer (or can pick one up online or at a hardware store), keep your indoor humidity below 65%. You’d be surprised how much difference it makes just to open a few windows or run a fan to get the air moving.

Drying clothes indoors, cooking without using a rangehood, or sealing up a house too tightly during winter can all contribute to higher humidity levels — so it’s worth being mindful of your everyday habits.

Stop Mold Before It Starts

Mould doesn’t need much to grow — just a bit of moisture, a dark corner, and time. That’s why it’s so important to check those easy-to-miss places in your home where it might be hiding. Whether it’s your bathroom ceiling, wardrobe walls, or inside the air con unit, catching it early is key to stopping it from spreading.

A little prevention goes a long way — keep things dry, let air move freely, and act quickly if you see or smell signs of mold. Your home (and your lungs) will thank you for it.