Signs That You Have Mold in Your Home

Mold is not only unsightly, but it can also be dangerous for your health. However, if you are not careful, you may not know when you have mold in your home.

Most individuals assume that mold only grows in dirty places, which is untrue. In reality, mold can grow in any humid and dark environment. Therefore, you must understand the signs of mold growth in your home. Learn about the signs of mold on your property and what to do.

Foul Smell

A musty smell is one of the most common signs of mold growth. As mold grows, it releases microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) that produce an unpleasant odor. Sometimes, the musty, earthy smell may be similar to spoiled food or dirty clothes, so you should first check these sources first before you conclude that you have a mold problem.

Spots on the Clothes

Mold loves to feast on fabrics and clothing. Therefore, if you are noticing some spots on your clothes or towels, that could be mold. Usually, the spots look black or white. Although you can easily mistake dirt for mold, touch the spots to feel if they are fluffy or slimy.

The secret to protecting your clothes from mold is to avoid storing dirty or damp clothes for long. Also, hang wet clothes in a ventilated area to dry quickly.

Peeling Wallpaper

Peeling or bubbling wallpaper may at times, indicate a poorly done installation job. For example, the issue may indicate you didn't prep the space correctly before wallpaper installation. The problem could also simply mean that your wallpaper is old and requires replacement.

Nonetheless, if none of these caused the mold, you may have moisture buildup in the walls. The moisture makes the wallpaper loose, creating a suitable mold growth environment. This issue is prevalent if you have recently had a water problem in your home.

Spiking Allergy Symptoms

Mold is detrimental to health and can cause various symptoms in individuals. For instance, aggravated asthma is one of the most common indications of mold exposure. People with allergies may also experience increased sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes when exposed to mold spores.

Furthermore, you may notice that your skin is suddenly itchy or dry. These symptoms are caused by clothes exposed to mold, and when you wear them, they may irritate your skin.

Headaches and Fatigue

Besides allergies, mold may also lead to sick building syndrome (SBS). Fatigue, headaches, and dizziness accompany this condition. Toxins in the indoor air from mold growth cause SBS. Mold causes poor air quality, and when you breathe contaminated air, you may feel fatigued even when you have no other reason to feel tired.

Stains on the Walls

Black or brown streaks on the walls and ceiling are probably the most obvious sign of mold. The streaks can be mistaken for dirt, but the stains are usually slimy or fluffy. You can also use bleach to test if the stains are mold. Put a few drops of bleach on the stains and wait for a few minutes. If it fades, that means indicates a mold problem.

Above are some signs that could indicate mold growth in your home. If you notice any of these signs, contact a mold inspection company or a professional contractor to inspect and evaluate the degree of mold growth. The specialist will then offer the most suitable solution to the problem.

You can trust us at Household Environmental Services to inspect, identify, and treat mold growth in your home. We will offer long-term solutions and advise you on how to prevent mold problems from reoccurring. Contact us for a consultation.