The CDC doesn’t have exact figures, but they say mold is “very common” in homes across the country. That’s a worrying fact, considering how damaging mold can be to you and your health.
You may suspect that your abode has mold in it, but you’re not quite sure how to tell. The signs of mold aren’t as easy to pinpoint if you can’t see them with your own eyes.
So, here is what you should know to determine if there’s mold in your home.
1. Unexplained Spots or Streaks on the Wall
You probably know how to pinpoint black mold — it’s self-explanatory, after all. But not all mold is as easy to spot.
Some molds will appear in clusters of black, as previously described. Others are streaks of white, while you might see specks of brown or green in your home, too.
Mold can be even more colorful than that, though. Behind wallpaper, for example, mold might be purple, pink, or even orange. It’s good to know this because you might not have thought such multi-colored specks were mold.
If you’re unsure that you have spotted a patch of mold, there are tests to determine if you have. Learn more about this here.
2. An Unidentified Musty Odor
Not all types of mold smell, but some will come with a musty odor.
If you start smelling an unpleasant aroma like this one, you may want to follow it. Finding the source may bring you face-to-face with mold that’s growing in your abode.
3. Water Leaks
You likely know that mold tends to grow in moist or damp areas. So, if you’ve had a water leak or drip, then you should inspect those spots after the fact. If they haven’t dried out properly, they may become breeding grounds for mold in your home.
Be sure you know the signs of water damage, too. If you see bubbling in your ceilings or dark spots in the walls, there may be water dripping or pooling.
4. Mold Allergies
Finally — and most worrying of all — mold in your home can cause you or your family members to have physical symptoms. These can mimic allergies, so it might be difficult to pin them to mold. However, let’s say it isn’t pollen season, and you’re still having allergies — that may be because you have mold you don’t see.
The symptoms of mold can include:
- Congestion
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Headaches
- Irritated, itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy skin
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
So, if you have any of these symptoms and can’t explain why, then it may be time to start looking for mold in your home.
Know the Signs of Mold
Now that you’ve read up on the signs of mold in your home, it’s important to safeguard this information somewhere in your mind. That’s because you never know when mold will show up, and you should always be prepared to find it and get rid of it as soon as you can.
If you need more home improvement or health tips, be sure to check back with us for regular updates.
