7 Areas in Your Home to Look for Hidden Mold

For someone who regularly cleans their house, the idea that mold could lurk in hidden places may seem absurd. Mold? In your Home? You’ve got to be kidding. It’s actually more likely than you might think (or hope). You might not realize it, but there’s a very real chance you’re dealing with a small mold infestation in your home right now. It’s time to check right now. In fact, it’s better not to. could be harmful to health.

As you may already know, mold is a nasty fungus that can grow quickly and easily spread unnoticed over time if not removed promptly. Here’s the bad news: Your home can be a breeding ground for mold spores, especially if it’s humid or if there have been water leaks or flooding. “Anywhere there’s moisture is a risk of mold growth,” Laureen Burton, a chemist/toxicologist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Indoor Environment Division, told CNET.

We’ll help you figure out where mold might be hiding in your home and what signs to look for. We’ll also explain all the steps you need to take to get rid of the mold as quickly as possible. Speaking of which, don’t let mold grow in your Keurig machine. Here’s how to clean it.

Signs that there may be mold in your home

Here are some clear signs that mold may be growing in your home. If you notice any of these signs, you should fix the problem as soon as possible to prevent the mold from spreading.

Musty smell: An earthy smell in your home could be an indication of the presence of mold.

Stains on walls: If something is leaking—especially water pipes in your walls or ceilings—you’ll likely see water stains (or water damage). If that’s the case, mold could be growing in the walls.

Visible mold: Mold can come in different colors and textures. For example, it can be black, white, and even green, and can be furry or slimy.

Your allergies are going crazy: Mold can cause allergic reactions if you breathe in the spores, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Symptoms can include congestion, coughing, runny nose and sneezing.

Common places in your home where mold can hide

Mold is found almost anywhere and can grow on anything as long as moisture is present. Here are some common areas where mold can be found in homes, according to the EPA’s Burton.

Air conditioning: If moisture builds up in your air conditioning systems, it can create the perfect environment for mold to grow.

Attics: Without proper ventilation, moisture can build up in your attic, which can lead to mold growth.

cellar: Sometimes basements are dark, damp and poorly ventilated – especially if they don’t have windows. And when a house floods, it often happens in the basement. This makes them an ideal place for mold to grow.

bathroom: Check your showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilets for mold. Bathrooms regularly collect moisture, which provides an ideal breeding ground for mold.

Behind walls: If a pipe bursts or even leaks, mold can form without you noticing. Be sure to repair leaks immediately and clean up any spills.

Kitchens: Mold can grow in places in kitchens where water pipes are located, such as under the sink if there is a leak, and around refrigerators and dishwashers.

Laundry rooms: Washing machines can be breeding grounds for mold (here’s how to kill mold in your washing machine), as can sinks in your laundry room.

How to get rid of mold in your home

Your first step in removing mold is to identify the source of the moisture problem — such as a leak or a damp house — and fix it as soon as possible. Mold can destroy your property, Burton said, so you should act quickly.

If the moisture problem is due to humidity, use a dehumidifier, but make sure it is properly maintained. Dehumidifiers can also grow mold if they are not emptied and cleaned regularly.

Before you start cleaning, make sure you wear personal protective equipment like gloves and an N95 face mask. You definitely don’t want to touch or inhale the mold.

If you find mold on a hard surface, clean it with soap and water (you can also use a vinegar-water solution). Don’t use bleach, as bleach itself can be harmful, Burton said. Once you’re done cleaning, quickly dry the area.

If you discover mold on a soft surface such as carpet or drywall and cannot dry it within 24 to 48 hours, you may need to replace it.

Next, make sure there is enough air circulating in the room by turning on the exhaust fan, ceiling fan or box fan and opening all windows.

If the mold is widespread or covers an area larger than 100 square feet, you may need to call a professional for help.

Are there preventative measures to keep mold away?

Moisture control. If an area remains damp or wet, mold will form, Burton said. Make sure your home stays dry and clean. If you have an area of ​​your home that is prone to flooding, such as a basement, you can prevent mold growth by not installing carpet on cement floors — this could lead to condensation forming.

Check your home regularly to make sure there are no leaks – especially in less used areas like a basement bathroom.

You should also keep an eye on the humidity in your home. It should be below 60% to prevent mold growth. You can Moisture meter in your home to keep an eye on the percentage.

For more information, read how to quickly clean your kitchen in under 15 minutes and learn how to clean a house or apartment before moving in.