5 Tell-Tale Signs Your House Has Mold (And How To Fix It)

Looking after your family home is a full-time job. There’s always something to clean, a DIY project on the go, or an endless supply of clothes to fold and put away. They’re not all fun jobs, but they are all pretty straightforward to do.

Mold, on the other hand, isn’t always straightforward. And part of that is not knowing tell-tale signs something is lurking under the surface of your home. 

The good news: there are signs to look out for that will let you know mold might be an issue. And preventing mold in your home is easier than ever, so you can keep your family safe and healthy. You can reach out to highly-trained, certified Advanced damp professionals who follow a proven, step-by-step process to help you clean up the mess.

What Is Mold Exactly?

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow on anything organic. Found throughout the environment, indoors and out, mold spreads by releasing tiny spores into the air. These microscopic spores release allergens and irritants that could be harming your health if left unchecked.

Though it can be found anywhere in your home, mold is most common in areas with high humidity levels, like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. And it really likes to grow on porous materials like wood and drywall. The idea of mold taking over your home is overwhelming. Thankfully, there is light at the end of the tunnel. And mold doesn’t have to ruin your home or your life.

Here are 5 sure-fire signs that you may have mold growing in your house – and what you should do about it!

5 Signs Your House Has Mold

Sorting out mold in the early stages is a walk in the park. But part of being able to catch it early is knowing what to look out for. Because if left unchecked, mold can take over your home. And it wouldn’t be long before you found yourself punching mold removal near me into Google

Look out for these tell-tale signs that you have a problem with mold in your home. 

• Moisture

Mold needs high levels of humidity to grow. If you notice moisture in your basement or bathroom, this could become a home to mold. Anywhere that creates condensation or holds water needs to be checked often. 

• Stale Odors

Another sign of mold is persistent musty smells. This could indicate that there’s a hidden source of moisture somewhere in the building.

• History

A common reason for mold is that you had a leak or water damage in your home. That’s because mold grows in damp areas. So if you’ve had an overflowing toilet or your basement has flooded, keep an eye out. Bubbling or bulging walls signify moisture has penetrated the surface making for the perfect breeding ground for mold.

• Furry Walls

A sure sign that your house may have mold is visible discoloration in drywall, wallpaper, ceiling tiles, carpets, upholstery fabric, and furniture. And because mold comes in many forms, your walls may start to become a little furry!

• Your Health

If you start noticing symptoms like sneezing, headaches, or difficulty breathing after being in the house for only a few minutes, then there’s probably mold present somewhere. If you’re feeling these symptoms after being at home for a while, it may be time to consult with a professional and get it taken care of!

How To Prevent And Get Rid Of Mold For Good

Mold prevention is all about controlling the amount of moisture in your home. If you can keep the environment dry, then mold will not be able to grow. The easiest way to control the amount of humidity in your home is by installing a dehumidifier. This machine drains water from your air and removes excess moisture, lowering the risk of mold growth.

If you don’t want to install a dehumidifier or can’t afford one, you’ll need to take care of any areas that are prone to high humidity levels – like your bathroom, kitchen, and basement. Open up windows during dryer periods (usually in spring) for 10-15 minutes every day.

Try to clean up any spills that might accumulate in these high humidity areas as soon as they happen. Mold thrives on anything organic, so it doesn’t take long for things like hair, soap scum, and food particles to become breeding grounds for mold.

There is a point when mold will become too much for you to handle, though. Call in the pros sooner rather than later. Don’t underestimate the devastation mold can have on your home if it’s left to its own devices.