How to Identify Mold in Your Home
Having mold in the home is an issue all over the world. When there is a small amount of exposure to mold, most people can continue their daily lives unaffected. But the problem with mold is that it multiplies when exposed to moisture and organic material like food, fabric, and wood, causing it to then become a health hazard.
Instructions:
- Check for fuzzy, cotton-like, or leathery patches because this is what household mold typically looks like.
- Look for any sort of discoloration to identify mold. Mold comes in an array of colors like brown, black, orange, gray green, white, and yellow. If something looks funny, it's mold.
- Check for a musty smell to find mold. Also, mold can sometimes have an earthy smell.
- Look in places where you have had any type of water leaks or damage. Roofs, plumbing, and areas where it has flooded are all areas where mold could grow from exposure to moisture. If you have had any leaky ceilings, check them and the carpet.
- Identify mold in areas where you use vaporizers or humidifiers. The steam or moisture from these products intended for health can actually cause mold that is bad for you. Also, the steam from hot showers can grow mold in a poorly ventilated bathroom.
- Look around in your basement or garage for mold. Typically, people have old books, clothes, cardboard boxes, and wood in these places, making them a breeding ground for mold.
- Cover all of your bases. Mold tends to hide in places like under the kitchen sink, air ducts, refrigerator seals, and entryways.