A customer of mine asked me about a black powder dust that is accumulating inside his kitchen cabinets and a few closets throughout his house. I suggested that he should check his oil burner and see if it needs to be cleaned. He said it looks clean and is cleaned every year and there is no sign of the dust in that area. There are no vent pipes going throught his kitchen cabinets and there is no sign of this black dust anywhere else in the house.
Any suggestions on what this could be? Could it still be the oil burner? But would dust only accumulate inside his kitchen cabinets or inside a few closets and not be visable anywhere else in the house?
Thanks
Replies
[JOBSITE WORD]roach poop?
kockroach poop?
If it's directly below the hinges it's hinge dust. Otherwise I don't know.
Based on the location ... maybe a light dusting of mold?? Maybe it accumulates and dries quickly? Are we in a cold climate/weather? I've seen mold accumulate in such locations where the rest of the house is relatively pristine (and new).
Cabinets and closets collect dust and forgotten about. Everyday dust can look black and it may be coincidence that they seem to collect in both cabinets and closets.
If mold is suspected, smell test should tell.
About the boiler, check the cover and the area around it for the kind of dust collected there. Follow the chimney and check the finished wall surrounding it. Is there any gap or opening into the house? Is there any gap or opening from the attic into the living spaces below? Is your door or access cover to attic weather tight?
What color clothes, blankets, carpet, curtain, or anything made with fiber do you have in the house?
Do you live near a busy road?
Sorry about lot of guesses and no answer, but you can have the dust tested for definite answer. On the other hand, you might not want to know. Hope it helps.
Again I say it sounds like hinge dust to me.
My guess would be mildew. Put a drop of chlorine bleach on it, if it disolves, it's probably mildew caused by moisture and lack of ventilation.