Most people describe the smell of mold as being musty, damp or earthy, similar to the smell of wet socks. It’s definitely not a pleasant scent, and because of that, homeowners start to look for signs of mold in the home. The most common signs of mold growth are dark water staining on walls, floors or ceilings and colored specks along grout lines, walls and other surfaces.
But what happens if you smell mold but can’t find it? Mold latches onto things that are dark, damp and provide nourishment, such as attics, bathrooms, crawl spaces and basements. It’s possible that you won’t be able to see the mold if it’s hiding in one of these areas. If this is the case, here’s what you’ll need to do.
Know What Mold Smells Like
Mold is often described as being ‘musty’ or ‘stale’, but there are other odors that can develop as well. The smell of mold can differ depending on the type of mold it is and where it’s growing. For instance, some types of mold can smell damp, earthy, rotting or sour.
Test for Mold
If you suspect mold in the home, you can test for mold on your own or hire a professional. There are mold testing kits available at most hardware stores, and they’re generally inexpensive and easy to use. While hiring a professional will cost more, they will also perform a thorough inspection and remediation solutions.
Check the Attic
Attics are magnets for mold, so if your home has one, it’s worth checking this space out. If you find mold in the attic, removing it is only the first step. You’ll also need to prevent mold from growing back by increasing ventilation, repairing window leaks and completing roof repairs.
Lift Up the Carpet
Another space where mold likes to grow is under the carpet, especially if it has gotten wet. This area is dark and damp, and it provides nourishment to the mold, allowing it to grow and spread. Once you treat mold, make sure to vacuum each week, close windows when it rains and clean up spills right away.
Consider Walls and Wallpaper
Since plumbing pipes are typically located in wall cavities, mold can feed on moisture from broken or leaky pipes. It’s usually not until there is discoloration or swelling on the wall that people notice a problem. Maintaining moisture and fixing leaky pipes are the best ways to prevent mold growth on walls.
Schedule Mold Remediation Services in Harlingen TX
If your home has a mold problem, contact the mold remediation experts at Texas Elite Restoration and Cleaning. We provide thorough mold remediation services for homes and businesses, which include collecting and analyzing mold samples, removing the mold and conducting final testing.
