How To Check Your Home For Mold

Mold spores are everywhere, but it becomes a problem when the presence of mold spores inside your home is higher than the concentration of spores outside. Fortunately, there is a tried-and-true way to check for mold in your home. All you have to do is let your nose do the sniffing. 

Check For Signs Of Moisture 

Mold needs moisture and a warm, damp environment to grow. That’s why you should be especially careful in damp areas of your home like bathrooms and basements. You may also be able to spot signs of moisture in your home by looking for things like dripping faucets or water damage. If you spot any signs of water damage, get the dripping area repaired as quickly as possible so that mold doesn’t start growing. If you spot a lot of mold in your home, you should call in professional help to clean it up and remove any spores. It’s essential to do so because even a small amount of mold can cause serious health problems in people who are already ill, such as chronic respiratory illnesses and asthma. 

Check For Smells 

Molds release microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which can produce strong smells that are generally described as musty, stale, earthy or damp. A musty odor is often the first indicator that your home has a mold problem, and it’s usually accompanied by other smells of dampness or humidity. It’s also important to check for health symptoms, such as nasal stuffiness or irritation, throat or coughing pain, and eye or skin sensitivity. If you’re allergic to mold, these symptoms can be even more severe and potentially life-threatening. If you’re unsure about the smells of your home, it’s important to have a professional inspect your space and take air quality tests. This will help you identify the types of mold and the level of spores present in your home or workplace. 

Check For Discoloration 

Discoloration in the home is one of the most common signs that mold is present. Small areas of discoloration, especially on walls or ceilings, can be easy to mistake for a mildew problem, so a quick test by dabbing a swab in diluted bleach (1 part bleach, 16 parts water) will help you determine whether or not the discoloration is caused by mold. Similarly, water stains can also be an indicator of mold, as they indicate that the area is prone to excess moisture. Often, these stains are only noticeable when a hole is opened up in the wall, so this is why a professional inspection is essential to properly assess your home’s potential mold problems. 

Call A Professional When In Doubt 

Getting a professional inspection and testing is recommended if you think there might be mold in your home. These certified professionals can test for any type of mold, identify where it is growing, and give you a better idea of what the problem might be. This is a good investment for your health and your home’s resale value. You’ll need to do this before the mold becomes worse or causes permanent damage. 

Categorised in: Mold Prevention