Many people have mold in their homes and aren’t even aware of it. What do you do if you think you may have mold? There are many things you can do. According to TheSpruce.com, mold can be hazardous to your health and make your home an unhealthy place to live. If you are concerned that your home may have mold, here are some warning signs to check for.
Checking Your Home For Mold
Before you call in a mold mitigation service, check your home to find out if mold is an issue. By following these steps, you can determine whether your home may be harboring mold.
- Do you see signs of staining or discoloration? Check your walls, floor grout, baseboards, and ceilings. If you see black, green, blue, pink, red, or brown streaks, this may be a sign of mold. The mold may feel like powder, fuzzy like velvet, or slimy.
- Musty odors can also be signs of mold. The smell can be musty, earthy (like wet soil), or sour. If you notice these smells or odors, this may be a sign that mold is present.
- If you find that walls, floors, or furniture are damp, it could mean that mold is present due to high humidity in the home. This dampness can lead to mold, which may be visible in places like under a mattress, the underside of furniture, and under cushions.
- Plumbing in disrepair can cause leaks that lead to mold growth, so regularly check all plumbing connections.
- Condensation on walls, around windows, and air conditioners, is caused by the flow of colder air into the home.
- Many people are allergic to mold and may respond with coughing and sneezing. An allergy test can show if you are allergic to mold that is present in the home.
What Should You Do If You Have Mold?
According to the U.S. EPA, if the presence of mold is minimal, (less than 9 square feet) you may be able to handle the job yourself, by cleaning the area, and making sure it is thoroughly dried and kept moisture-free.
If the area is larger than 3×3, you should seek the help of a professional. See Valley Restoration on Montrose Chamber of Commerce for assistance in getting rid of your mold. Experts will thoroughly check your home and suggest a plan of attack to rid your home of mold.
After the mold remediation is completed, homeowners and apartment dwellers should check on the infected areas regularly. This includes checking for stains on walls and ceilings, checking all plumbing fixtures, checking areas around windows, refrigerators, and air conditioners, and making sure there is no condensation and all drip pans are kept dry.
Mold is a serious issue and should be taken care of as soon as you find any sign that mold is present. You will feel better knowing that your home is free from mold and, once again, a healthy place for you and your family to enjoy.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
