ᐅ Mold Problem in a New Kitchen – How to Prevent It in the Future?
Created on: 14 Feb 2021 21:54
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Nanopixel
In our kitchen, which was completely renovated in mid-2020, we have a problem with mold:
It became noticeable when water suddenly started leaking from under the refrigerator. At first, I thought it was a device malfunction, but that does not seem to be the case. We have a built-in refrigerator, and after removing the cabinet where it was installed, we discovered the problem: mold in the lower corner of the room and on the wall next to the refrigerator (see picture). There was even mold between the refrigerator and the built-in cabinet (picture 2). The entire right side wall of the appliance was covered with water droplets (picture 3).
Trusted tradespeople (tiler and plasterer) examined the situation and said it is condensed water caused by humidity. The air cannot circulate properly around this cabinet, which leads to this problem. In addition, the refrigerator is placed directly in the corner of the room against two exterior walls (northeast).
How should this problem be addressed? Removing the mold and thoroughly drying everything first seems obvious.
The tiler suggested installing ventilation openings in the wall above the refrigerator to help regulate humidity. I find that reasonable, but I am concerned that, since the cabinet is placed right next to the wall on the right side with only about 0.5 to 1 cm (0.2 to 0.4 inches) of space, condensation might still form there despite ventilation.
Are there any additional measures that could be taken here—perhaps filling the small cavity somehow?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
N
It became noticeable when water suddenly started leaking from under the refrigerator. At first, I thought it was a device malfunction, but that does not seem to be the case. We have a built-in refrigerator, and after removing the cabinet where it was installed, we discovered the problem: mold in the lower corner of the room and on the wall next to the refrigerator (see picture). There was even mold between the refrigerator and the built-in cabinet (picture 2). The entire right side wall of the appliance was covered with water droplets (picture 3).
Trusted tradespeople (tiler and plasterer) examined the situation and said it is condensed water caused by humidity. The air cannot circulate properly around this cabinet, which leads to this problem. In addition, the refrigerator is placed directly in the corner of the room against two exterior walls (northeast).
How should this problem be addressed? Removing the mold and thoroughly drying everything first seems obvious.
The tiler suggested installing ventilation openings in the wall above the refrigerator to help regulate humidity. I find that reasonable, but I am concerned that, since the cabinet is placed right next to the wall on the right side with only about 0.5 to 1 cm (0.2 to 0.4 inches) of space, condensation might still form there despite ventilation.
Are there any additional measures that could be taken here—perhaps filling the small cavity somehow?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
N
Just because a kitchen planner might have made a mistake, should there still be ongoing costs?
The cleanest solution would be a 50cm (20 inches) wall cabinet, similar to a base cabinet, next to the tall cabinet, and a minimum 5cm (2 inches) wide panel next to the tall cabinet towards the exterior wall, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Unless there is even a planning error by the architect here, if they were involved in the kitchen design.
The cleanest solution would be a 50cm (20 inches) wall cabinet, similar to a base cabinet, next to the tall cabinet, and a minimum 5cm (2 inches) wide panel next to the tall cabinet towards the exterior wall, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Unless there is even a planning error by the architect here, if they were involved in the kitchen design.
Nanopixel schrieb:
That amounts to some five-figure sum, which honestly I don’t have just lying around.
So I’m looking for a temporary quick fix.I have a suggestion for a quick fix.You could try creating an air gap next to the refrigerator afterwards:
- Remove the side panel of the cabinet
- Chip off the plaster and apply a thinner new layer
How thick is the plaster on the exterior wall? In my case, quite a lot was applied to get a right angle.
Addendum: Maybe there’s enough space for about 2cm (1 inch) of internal insulation?
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hampshire17 Feb 2021 11:50Check the refrigerator drain, as dirt can sometimes accumulate there and cause water. This is not a defect.
Insulation is beneficial as long as air can still circulate.
PC fans are small, efficient, and can be easily and discreetly integrated into panels. They then blow an airflow through. Controlled with a Raspberry Pi and managed by a humidity sensor, you should be able to get the problem under control. Additional insulation also helps, of course.
Insulation is beneficial as long as air can still circulate.
PC fans are small, efficient, and can be easily and discreetly integrated into panels. They then blow an airflow through. Controlled with a Raspberry Pi and managed by a humidity sensor, you should be able to get the problem under control. Additional insulation also helps, of course.
N
nordanney17 Feb 2021 13:06Tassimat schrieb:
I have a suggestion for a quick fix.
You could try to create an air gap next to the refrigerator afterwards:
- Remove the side panel of the cabinet
- Chip off the plaster and replaster it thinner
How thick is the plaster on the exterior wall? In my case, quite a lot was applied to achieve right angles.
Addendum: Maybe there is still some space left for 2cm (1 inch) of internal insulation? I think the idea is good. A tip to the original poster: Please use a dew point calculator like ubakus to check if this option could work.
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