You probably clean your home regularly to get rid of dirt, grime, and potential problems like mold and mildew. But despite how well you clean, mold can still linger in your home. In fact, mold is a common problem in just about every home. It can hide in places you can’t see or reach, and it can grow exponentially in size if it’s let alone. If you think you might have mold in your home, search online to find a mold removal professional.
If you allow mold to grow in your home and don’t do anything about it, you can wind up with dangerous effects. Mold can begin to affect your health, and it can cause structural damage within your home. You need to take action – and you need to know the signs of mold. Search online to learn how to identify mold at home.
Signs of Mold
You’ve likely seen mold before. Even when you’re meticulous about cleaning, mold is nearly impossible to eliminate completely. That’s partly because mold can enter your home in so many ways – every time you open a window, through mold spores in the air, or even by attaching itself to your clothes and shoes.
Mold is a type of fungus, and it can take many forms. It might look like mushrooms or yeast; it might look furry or blotchy. It thrives in wet, humid environments like bathrooms and basements.
And when mold appears, you might notice a few subtle changes. The clues might be visual, but you may also smell mold. Here are some of the most critical signs that there’s mold in your home:
- You can visibly see mold growing on walls, floors, or other surfaces.
- Areas of your home smell musty or damp.
- You know your home has been flooded with water in the past.
- Water or moisture tend to collect in certain areas of your home.
The most important thing to remember is that mold isn’t always easy to see or find on your own. You need a professional’s help. A mold removal specialist can test your home for mold, assess different areas that may have recently flooded or collected moisture, and offer a professional recommendation.
Signs Mold is Affecting Your Health
In addition to the signs mentioned above, there’s another way you may be able to detect mold in your home. When mold begins to grow and you’re breathing in its spores regularly, you can begin to experience health effects.
Mold doesn’t necessarily make you sick, but it can cause some health issues. It’s particularly dangerous for individuals who have certain health conditions, like allergies, asthma, COPD, or a compromised immune system.
If you notice any of the following changes to your health, you may have mold in your home:
- Runny nose.
- Congestion.
- Irritated eyes.
- Sneezing.
- Coughing.
- A sore throat.
- Skin rashes.
- Headaches.
- Lung irritation.
- Wheezing.
If you’re exposed to a large amount of mold, you may have a more serious reaction and notice more concerning symptoms.
Hire a Mold Removal Professional
If you think you might have a mold problem, you shouldn’t try to resolve it on your own. Getting rid of mold is difficult, and it can require far more work than you realize. Additionally, cleaning up large areas of mold – like those caused by water damage or long-growing mold – requires special knowledge and expertise.
According to the CDC, there are no federal mold regulations, but it’s a good idea to find a mold specialist who’s certified by or affiliated with the National Environmental Health Association. The American Industrial Hygiene Association, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration, or the American Council for Accredited Certification. These professionals are trained in mold identification and detection as well as mold removal. They know the ins and outs of mold, and they can handle mold growths of any size.
And you can easily find a mold removal professional in your local area. All you have to do is search online. You can read customer reviews, learn about pricing, and find a quality mold removal specialist who’s within your budget. You can also compare multiple mold removal experts so you know what your options are, all without leaving home.
Remember, even if you don’t see or smell mold, it could be hiding in any area of your home. It can grow behind walls or under floors. If you suspect mold might be in your home, you need to search online to find a professional who can handle mold removal.