How to Find Hidden Mold in Your House
Mold only needs four elements to thrive in your home: moisture, organic matter, low lighting, and time. This means that a house doesn’t need to be abandoned for mold to grow there—old and new homes are both at risk.
If there’s mold growth in your home, your health could be in danger. Black mold produces mycotoxins which can cause serious health problems, especially in children and adults with weakened immune systems.
My Pure Environment is dedicated to improving the health of our community in Spokane, WA. When it comes to mold removal, we go above and beyond to make sure you and your family feel comfortable and safe in your home. Call our team of local experts for a free home inspection today.
Four Signs There’s Hidden Mold in Your House
Just because you can’t see mold growth, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Since mold likes to grow in dark, damp spaces, it often thrives in places homeowners rarely pay attention to. If you notice the following signs, you may be in need of mold remediation.
- Odor. Significant mold growth may produce a musty smell.
- Water damage. Mold thrives on moisture, and water damage can facilitate mold growth in as little as 24-48 hours.
- Physical damage. Cracks, soft spots, or bulges in the walls or ceiling could be a sign of mold growth in those areas.
- Health problems. Mold exposure can cause allergy symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, skin and throat irritation, or wheezing.
While at-home testing kits are available, the most reliable way to test for mold is to call a professional team to investigate. My Pure Environment offers free standard home inspections so you can avoid breaking the bank to keep your family safe.
Top 10 Locations for Mold to Grow
Locating mold in your house is easier if you know where to look. Here are the top 10 locations mold growth may be hiding in your home.
- Air ducts and plumbing
- Insulation
- Under sinks
- Attics and crawl spaces
- Wall cavities
- Behind furniture
- The refrigerator or pantry
- Windows and windowsills
- Above ceiling tiles
- Underneath carpets and rugs
Anywhere in your home that’s dark and damp is a good place to start checking for mold.
Tips for Preventing Hidden Mold Growth
Keeping mold out of your house entirely isn’t easy, but you can take the following precautions to decrease the risk of fungal growth in your home:
- Limit indoor moisture. Optimal humidity levels to discourage mold growth are between 30% and 50%. Maintain these levels by buying a dehumidifier, and promptly repairing water damage and leaky roofs or pipes.
- Properly ventilate your rooms. An efficient ventilation system will decrease contaminants and also work to maintain proper humidity levels.
- Try anti-fungal paint. Wallpaper can encourage mold growth, so consider replacing it with an anti-fungal paint or paint with a mold inhibitor added.
- Buy houseplants. Some houseplants actually fight mold growth while at the same time purifying your air, regulating the humidity, and making your home look beautiful.
During your free home inspection, our professionals can give you additional advice on how to keep your home mold-free.
Professional Mold Removal in Spokane
My Pure Environment provides clients with a free onsite consultation, accurate air quality assessment, and a personalized remediation plan to fit your situation. Our mold removal services are demolition-free, so you can protect yourself from mold without causing damage to your home.
If you suspect there is hidden mold in your house, contact us to schedule a free inspection or give us a call at (509) 213-1915 for fast, effective, and affordable mold removal.
Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash
