5 Ways to Spot Mold in Your House or Apartment

Moving into a new house can be incredibly exciting…and incredibly stressful.

While mentally arranging furniture and picking out paint colors is a blast, dealing with financial obligations, inspecting the house, packing, and unpacking can all be a headache. And what can really put a damper on a happy mood is discovering mold in a home you’ve fallen in love with.

Here are 5 surefire ways to help you spot signs of mold before signing the deed:

 

1. It Smells…odd.

If you’re not sure what mold smells like, you can perform a simple test by placing a wet washcloth in a plastic bag, leaving it unzipped, and then taking a whiff a few days later.

The washcloth will smell sour and stale – that’s mold. If you’re experiencing the same smell in your new home or apartment, there’s a good chance that’s mold, too.

2. You See Something That Could Be Mold

Mold doesn’t always look like mold, so if you’re searching for something green and fuzzy, you might not find what you’re looking for.

Instead, mold can often resemble soot or dirt, and may not look like anything out of the ordinary.

However, if you notice “dirt” in odd places, it could be mold. If so, you should take action to have it inspected immediately, as mold can proliferate quickly.

3. There are Water Leaks

Mold loves moisture, and if you’re moving into a house or apartment where there are known water leaks, there’s a good chance that mold has moved in, too.

Water leaks are one of the most obvious signs of mold, and can cause mold growth behind walls or within ceilings that you can’t visibly see. Before moving in, ask about any known or past water leaks.

 

4. There’s Been a Flood

If there’s been a flood in your home or apartment in the past, chances are mold has started to grow.

If you can’t see any visible signs of mold in living areas, head down to the basement (if you have one).

If there’s been a flood, the basement is the most likely place for mold growth to occur. If you notice the moldy smell mentioned above, ask for an inspection.

 

5. YOU Have Physical Symptoms

Mold exposure and overly damp environments have been linked to nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing and wheezing, respiratory tract symptoms, asthma and headaches, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you notice any of the above symptoms while spending time in your new space, it may be a result of mold. You can also ask the previous owners if they experienced any of the symptoms of mold toxicity.

 

Signs of Mold? Take Action Now

If you notice signs of mold in your new place, it’s important to reach out to a mold abatement professional.

Our team will conduct a property mold assessment, clean and decontaminate any mold-ridden areas, perform clearance testing, and help you to take preventative measures to stop future mold growth.

For a free estimate, call us today at 702-803-9874 or send us a message now!