How to Find Hidden Mold in Your House

Mold can be found anywhere in your house as long as there are favorable conditions available for their growth. Every damp place in your home can be a candidate for a mold problem since mold thrives well in areas with excessive moisture and comfortable temperature ranging between 40- and 100-degrees Fahrenheit. Everyone hates to find mold in their home given the wide-ranging effects it can have on your health as well as your property. It is important to identify the source of the problem and address it as soon as possible before the situation gets worse. This article looks at ways to find hidden mold in your house.

  • Check for Plumbing Leaks

Mold can feed off a nearby leak so it is important to check for any signs of leakages near water pipes, icemaker lines, waste lines, and other plumbing fixtures. Keep in mind that water can travel in any direction when it wicks into drywall or any other absorbent material. The actual leak might be originating a few steps away from the mold. It is important to find the leak and fix it to reduce the amount of moisture and humidity that enhance mold growth.

  • Inspect the Ductwork

If mold grows under a duct or register on the ceiling but there is no sign of a roof leak then the problem might be caused by a poorly insulated ductwork. Warm and moist air condenses to form water on ducts that carry cold air through the attic. Condensation is a sign that the duct is missing a vapor barrier or it is uninsulated. The water eventually finds its way to the insulation and drywall from which mold start to grow and multiply.

  • Identify the Source of Musty Odor

If you notice an earthy smell or musty odor then it means that mold is probably present somewhere in a dark, damp corner without any air. For many homeowners, the smell is usually unpleasant and pungent that you cannot ignore every time you walk into the front door or a particular room in your house. A room with the most pungent smell is more likely to be the source of mold. Since you cannot see it visually, it is important to check all the crawlspaces and behind furniture that always remains in the same place when cleaning a room.

  • Inspect the Shower and Bathtub

The bathroom is one of the most common places you expect to find mold because of its constant level of moisture and humidity. A poorly ventilated bathroom can make the situation worse as it provides suitable conditions for mold to grow. Mold spores will thrive if you are not ventilating your bathroom during and after your bath or shower. Check for mold on your shower curtain, shampoo bottles, in the tile grout, and around the showerhead or faucet.

  • Check Under Bathroom Sink and Toilet

The humid nature of bathrooms combined with the presence of water makes bathroom sinks and toilets prone to mold growth. The most noticeable places to find hidden mold are the surface of the sink and bathroom counters especially if you do not clean and dry them after every use. Check behind the toilet and under the bathroom sink where you store cleaning supplies. Any excess moisture that is left after using the supplies can lead to mold growth.

  • Probe the Area with a Screwdriver

Other types of mold cause rot and can go deeper than what you see on the affected area or surface. Use a screwdriver to probe the suspected area or any other sharp tool. If the wood or drywall seems to crumble with every single tap then there is a high possibility that mold has taken hold. This can be due to the high levels of humidity and moisture that cause water to wick through absorbent materials like drywall.

  • Professional Mold Testing

Although testing can be expensive, it is worth the investment if you cannot identify the source of your mold problem. It is helpful especially when you experience symptoms of mold toxicity, allergies or notice a musty smell but cannot find the exact location of the mold. Professionals use special equipment, knowledge, and expertise to locate a mold problem.

Mold often grows in the most unusual places so it is important to check areas that are often overlooked when performing regular house cleaning. Wet or damp areas like the bathroom or basement should be thoroughly inspected, as they are more prone to mold. If you are finding it difficult to locate mold on your own then it is important to seek professional help from reputable mold testing companies. Not only will they identify the source of the mold but they also advise you on the best remediation strategy and solution for your problem.