Mold 101: Here’s How To Check And Effectively Get Rid Of Mold

No one wants to find mold in their homes. These microscopic spores are so tiny that they float in the air. They thrive in dark places that are moist and humid, where they start to reproduce once a cluster of mold come together. Some homeowners find it hard to realize a growing mold problem until it’s too late.

So, how can one know if there is an existing mold problem in your home?

Where To Check For Mold

The sad reality is that all houses have what mold spore needs to grow and multiply – surfaces that are warm, dark, and has oxygen. Add moisture, and your home becomes the perfect breeding ground for mold. It doesn’t matter if the cause is stagnant water, a water leakage, flooding, or high humidity levels. Add all these together, and it’s the beginning of a growing mold problem.

Knowing where to check can help you detect if you have mold in your home. Watch out for mold on the following areas.

In your kitchen

Kitchens are not safe from pesky mold. This is because lots of things can happen in this area of the house. Since we often prepare food, cook meals and wash the dishes in here, you can expect mold to quickly grow if you don’t always make it to a point to clean your kitchen area after every usage.

Check all sides of your sink, your kitchen appliances, stove, and pantry as well as your windows and window sills. Keeping spoiled food can cause mold to grow and quickly multiply. Also check your kitchen utensils, dishware (especially those made of plastics), water dispenser trays and fridge drip trays for any signs of mold.

In your living room

Just because there are no sink and food kept in this area doesn’t already mean your living room is safe from mold. Check your curtains, couch, fireplace, and chimney as they are also some of the favorite places of mold. Even overwatering indoor plants can contribute to mold growth.

In your bedroom

Make sure to check on your mattress, HVAC system, windows, and window sills. These areas are susceptible to mold growth, and you don’t want to harbor mold in these private areas.

In your bathroom

Everyone enjoys a refreshing shower and a nice warm bubble bath. Unfortunately, mold takes this as an invitation – especially true if your bathroom has no proper ventilation. Make sure to check for mold on your shower tile, shower, and bathtub, sink, and toilet, as well as the floor and mold. You may also find mold in your shampoo and conditioner bottles, toothbrush caddies, shower curtains, shower head, faucet, and your washcloths.

In your garage

Water leaks from your roof and rain waters in your car can bring enough moisture to invite mold into your garage. This is especially true if you have some old items stored in this area. Check mold where water could be sitting for long periods, around the windows or your garage door as well as the areas where your storage boxes are lying around.

In your attic and basement

Most people don’t realize they have mold in their attic or basement simply because these are areas we don’t often clean and visit. Check for mold near the foundation, pipes and ducting, windows or vents, sump pump, on the roof insulation furnace or water heater.

Other areas where mold can easily grow

mold can also thrive in your HVAC System, washing machines, dryers, walls and ceilings, carpets, and upholstery.

Signs You Have Mold In Your Home

The following are common tell-tale signs you’ve got mold in your home.

Visible Mold Growth

The most obvious sign that you’ve got mold issues is visible appearances of mold growth. The thing is, the main question one should be asking is how much or how big is your mold issue. If you already find mold anywhere in your house, this usually means you’ve got a bigger mold problem than meets the eye.

Mold Smell

Molds coming from inside and out of your home may not smell alike. For one, mold found outside of your home often has a stale smell. On the other hand, mold inside your house has that musty smell. Even if you don’t see visible signs of mold, musty odor is enough to start planning for a mold solution.

Water Problems

If you’ve experienced flooding, water leaks, or water intrusion, then there’s a big chance that your home will end up having a mold issue. Since mold grows and multiplies in dark, damp, and humid areas, adding in moisture only makes it an even better den for mold.

Good Read: Moisture and Mold Problems: Preventing and Solving Them in Your Home

Signs of Condensation

Condensation occurs when water vapor turns to liquid. Some signs of condensation include black dots on your window frames, damp patches on your walls or ceiling, streaming windows and rusting of indoor pipes.

Flu-like Symptoms or a Lingering Cold

When exposed to mold for an extended period, you may develop symptoms associated with cough colds, flu, and allergy. If you experience such symptoms and you can’t exactly tell what’s causing them in the first place, try this little experiment. Leave your home and return only after a few days later. If you feel good while out of the house, only for the symptoms to come back after returning home, it could mean you’re experiencing allergies caused by mold spores exposure.

How To Get Rid Of A Mold Problem

When it comes to mold, your ordinary cleaners like bleach is not enough to treat your mold problem. It may seem like a quick-fix, but in reality, what you need is to address the root of your problem.

Good Read: How to Remove Black Mold

Remediating mold is the most effective way of mold removal. Experts follow a strict mold remediation process including mold inspection, containment, removal of mold-infected materials as well as cleanup and restoration.

Molds are not only capable of contaminating your home, but can also cause health-related symptoms. Make it a point to check your home for signs of mold and to call a mold remediation company near you to effectively get rid of your home’s mold issue.

Author Bio:

Michelle Navarro is a content writer and a real estate broker. She writes quality contents related to home improvement, mold remediation, real estate, and mortgages. During her free time, she’s either watching her favorite TV shows, baking or working on her arts and crafts, and having a good time with her cat.