How to Tell If You Have Mold in Your Home

Mold is a normal part of nature. Tiny mold spores float in the air almost everywhere, indoors and out. They only become a problem at home when they land somewhere damp and start to grow. In South Florida, with our warm, humid air and frequent summer storms, that can happen more easily than many people expect. Here is how to spot the signs.

Trust your nose

A musty, earthy smell is often the first clue. It may be strongest when you first walk into a room, open a closet or turn on the air conditioning. If the smell keeps coming back even after you clean, something may be growing out of sight. Pay attention to where the odor is strongest, because that is often close to the source.

Look for what you can see

Mold doesn't always look the way people expect. It can be black, green, gray, white, brown or even orange. It may look fuzzy, slimy or like a dusty stain. Common places to check include:

• Bathroom ceilings, grout and around the tub or shower
• Under kitchen and bathroom sinks
• Around windows and sliding doors, where moisture collects
• Inside closets, especially on outside walls
• Near air conditioning vents and the air handler
• Behind furniture pushed against cool walls

Small spots of mildew in a shower are common and usually easy to clean. Growth that keeps spreading, or that returns quickly after cleaning, points to a moisture problem that needs attention.

Watch for water clues

Since mold needs moisture, signs of water are signs of possible mold. Look for:

• Stains or discolored patches on ceilings and walls
• Paint that bubbles, cracks or peels
• Warped baseboards, swollen cabinets or lifting floors
• Drips or rust around pipes and the water heater
• Condensation on windows or vents
• A past leak, flood or storm damage that was never fully dried out

Water that got into a wall even a while ago can leave hidden mold behind if it wasn't dried properly.

Notice how you feel at home

Some people notice a stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing, wheezing or itchy eyes that seem worse at home and better when they are away. People with allergies or asthma can be more sensitive. These symptoms can have many causes, so they are not proof of mold on their own. If you or someone in your home has health concerns, talk to a doctor.

What about "black mold"?

You may have heard scary stories about black mold. In truth, many kinds of mold can look dark, and color alone can't tell you what type it is. Health agencies advise treating any mold growing indoors the same way: find the moisture, fix it and remove the mold safely.

Should you test for mold?

If you can already see mold, you may not need a test to know it is there. Testing tends to be more useful when you smell mold but can't find it, after water damage, when buying or selling a home, or to check an area after cleanup. Store-bought kits often show that spores exist, which is true almost everywhere, so the results can be confusing. A professional inspection pairs any sampling with a search for hidden moisture, which is usually the most useful part. Our FAQ page answers more common questions about mold testing.

What to do next

If you find a small patch on a hard surface, you can often clean it with soap and water while wearing gloves, eye protection and a mask. Avoid mixing cleaning products. For larger areas, mold inside walls or air conditioning systems, or mold after a flood, it is better to have a professional assess it. Whatever the size, the most important step is fixing the water problem so the mold doesn't come back.

You can read more about our mold testing and remediation services. If you'd like someone to take a look, you can call iDry SoFlo at 305-833-8629.