Mold, as you might know, is a microscopic living organism. You’ve probably encountered it on a piece of forgotten bread or behind the fridge. However, this fungi does not only thrive on rotten food. Instead, it generates airborne spores that will readily settle and develop on various surfaces if made of cellulose. Examples are wood, natural fabrics such as cotton and wool, leather, paper, and cardboard.
Mold Detection Methods
Other mold strains are very toxic and dangerous to human health. Therefore, detecting and removing mold in your home immediately is important. Here’s how to spot whether you have mold:
1. Mold Inspection
Mold can show up in different colors, including black, green, grey, and white. Mold is commonly called having a “furry” appearance and appears in spots on exterior walls, in tile grouting, on clothes, or in wardrobes – i.e., places that have been damp/wet. Regular mold inspections can often identify a problem before it becomes too severe. Learn more about mold right here.
2. Thorough Basement Inspection
We rarely go into these areas, and when we do, it’s usually to get rid of things we no longer want. However, because of leaks or unseen water seepage, they give a breeding ground for mold. For that reason, as part of your mold detection routine, these places have to be checked regularly. Checking for leaks, moist areas, and mold growth should be a number one priority, especially before the winter starts.
3. Musty Odor
Mold creates a distinct “musty” smell as it feeds on the surface it is developing. While mold might not be seen, if a room or part of your home smells tiny, musty, or earthy and is overall bad, it’s time to get serious about mold detection. Look beneath carpets, behind wall pictures, behind furniture, behind wallpaper (which, if wet, will probably be peeling at the edges anyway), behind baseboards, and more. Each of these places could be harboring potentially toxic mold.
4. Unseen Mold
Whether you perform intensive mold detection searches or not, tiny mold may be present in your home. Regular problems with a stuffed-up nose and irritation in the throat and eyes are telltale signs that this is the case. This kind of mold is commonly described as the most dangerous. Especially since the only signs of its existence are the physical signs it produces and the “musty” smell it releases. In this case, it is definitely a task for specialists.
5. Mold Detection Kits
These kits are available in different forms and for a variety of uses. For example, you can purchase kits that just detect the presence of mold. Others will allow you to determine the mold strain, while others will allow you to check the air quality in your home. You can get results from these mold detection kits in a matter of days or maybe hours in some cases. However, others will require you to package them and send them to a laboratory for analysis – possibly at an additional cost.
6. Hire a Mold Inspector
As previously mentioned, in some cases, leaving mold detection to the professionals is the only option, particularly if you were unable to detect mold growth during your own inspection. A mold inspector must locate the unseen mold and have the needed equipment to do the required testing. Visit PuroClean Greenfield to learn more about mold detection.
Conclusion
Mold is a problem many people deal with in their homes, even when properly maintained and cleaned regularly. Mold removal experts can also assist you in identifying possible sources of mold growth before the spores spread. Whether you test for mold yourself or call a professional from the start, you’ll want to hire a mold removal service if you discover mold in your house. They have the equipment, experience, and tools required to quickly, safely, and completely remove all mold evidence.