Mold is unsightly and can be a health hazard when it builds up in your house. If a mold problem isn’t treated properly, the spores can spread and multiply, leading to an even more serious health risk and becoming much more difficult to fix.
Mildew, which is a thinner type of mold, is easier to clean than some other mold types, but it can also be a health concern. It’s important to know how to find mold and mildew in your home so that they can be properly removed, and your home can be cleaned correctly.
Warning Signs of Mold Growth
Here are some indications of mold growth in your home.
- Bad and Musty Odors – If you notice a stale, musty smell in your house, it could be the result of mold. The smell will slowly grow over time, as mold lets out microbial volatile organic compounds and chemicals into the air that create that damp or musty smell. Follow where the smell is coming from to determine where mold is growing in your home.
- Moisture Issues or Water Damage – Mold feeds and grows on moisture. If your home has been subject to high humidity or suffered water damage, it is more likely that mold will spread. Additionally, improperly cleaning up flooding can result in water and moisture sitting and letting otherwise inactive mold spores become fully grown mold. Potential water conditions that may put you at risk for mold growth include:
- – Burst or leaky pipes
- – Leaking or high-moisture water heater
- – Poor ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens
- – Leaky faucets
- – Water inside the home from rain or snow
- – Plumbing problems or building maintenance issues
- – HVAC condensation
- – Condensation build-up on windows
- – Humid basements
Any trapped moisture or water increases the likelihood of mold growth. Check areas where water gathers for mold growth, and act quickly if you find any.
- Stains or Visible Mold – Stains may be from water damage, which will breed mold, or they could be the mold itself. Dark stains on walls or ceilings will often have a different texture to water damage, such as being fuzzy, slimy, or soft. Be sure to check water damage for potential mold growth.Clothing, furniture, and carpets can also have mold growth. If your clothes’ fibers have mold, there is likely a very serious problem in your home that needs to be taken care of. Wash the clothes and be sure not to store damp clothes in warm places. Carpets are at high risk of growing mold, and mold on the underside of carpets can be hard to find. Stains and smells are both things to keep an eye on.If you can see mold in any of these areas, it’s a clear indicator that you have a mold problem. Mold can show up in many different colors and textures, and there are thousands of mold species in the world. Mold can be gray, brown, black, green, and even white, red, blue, or purple. Mildew is often powdery and adheres flat to a surface, while other molds can be fuzzy or soft.
- Peeling or Warping Wallpaper – Moisture build-up is common behind wallpaper, particularly during a humid summer. Not only can this create moisture, but it can loosen the wallpaper, allowing more space for mold growth. Not every wall issue is caused by mold, but if it comes with other signs of mold, such as smells or spots, it may be time to check.
- Pets Acting Strange – If your pet sniffs at mold or eats mold on accident, they may show signs of mold exposure, such as lethargy, skin sores, itching, nasal discharge, or rapid breathing. Animals can also be more sensitive to mold growth than humans, so changes in an animal’s behavior or the development of other mold exposure symptoms can be a good indication of a mold problem in your home.
- Physical Health Symptoms – Humans can see a number of health concerns related to mold, including asthma and allergies. It can also worsen other respiratory illnesses and lead to a cough or cold-like that won’t improve. Mold toxins can also create headaches and chronic fatigue. If you’re suffering from symptoms such as congestion, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and itchy, dry, or red eyes or skin, it may be time to get your home checked for mold and cleaned.
High-Quality Cleaning Services
Having a professional cleaning of your home may be the best answer if you suspect mold growth. Blue Daisy Maids uses high-quality products and equipment to provide your home with a thorough cleaning. Contact our team to schedule cleaning services and keep your house healthy.
