Did you know that there are at least 200,000 known species of fungi worldwide? Of these identified fungal species, more than half are mold species alone.
Molds, being simple microorganisms, only need oxygen, moisture, and organic matter to live. That’s why they can survive anywhere, including the less accessed areas of your home. Unfortunately, they can multiply within one to two days under the right conditions.
That’s enough reason to routinely check for mold in your home. We listed the top ways to conduct a mold check at home, so be sure to read on.
Table of Contents
Inspect Damp Areas in Your Home
The kitchen, bathroom, attic, basement, and windows are the areas of a home most prone to dampness. For this reason, they should be the first places you should check for mold growth.
Before you start your hunt, though, be sure to wear protective eyewear, gloves, and a mask. Many types of molds, including about 40 species of Aspergillus molds, are pathogenic. Inhaling or touching these pathogenic microorganisms can lead to infections.
Once you’re all geared up, look for molds around damp areas, such as sinks and under sinks. Inspect tiles, floors, walls, ceilings, and exposed plumbing pipes, too. If you see fuzzy black, brown, green, orange, pink, red, violet, white, or yellow patches, those are likely molds.
If the molds cover less than 10 square feet of hard surfaces, you can use soap, water, and bleach to remove them. If the affected area is larger than that, you might want to bring in a mold removal professional.
Use a Moisture Meter
Some people refer to molds as a silent killer since they can cause illnesses, despite how tiny they are. Moreover, these microorganisms can grow inside walls, under the floor, or within ducts. They can reproduce within these hidden areas without you even knowing.
However, you can still test your home for molds using a moisture meter. It’s a handheld device designed to detect moisture in ceilings, drywalls, and floors. It can tell you if there’s too much moisture present, in which case, you likely have molds.
Have Your Home Inspected by Mold Removal Specialists
If you live in a larger home or had a recent water intrusion, it may be best to hire a mold inspection contractor. These experts can test your entire home using the latest mold detection technology. These include moisture meters, infrared cameras, and hygrometers.
Mold specialists can also test indoor air quality using air samplers and scanners. These devices can measure high levels of mold spores and other pollutants in the air.
It’s also a good idea to have your home inspected if anyone in your household has mold allergies. Do note that about one in 10 people in the US experiences allergic reactions to molds. These include wheezing, nasal congestion, itching, skin rashes, and watery eyes.
Check for Mold Before It Overtakes Your Home
Even if no one in your home has a mold allergy, it’s still vital to check for mold, as some species can be toxic. At the very least, molds are unsightly, and over time, can cause structural damage. Besides, regular mold checks allow you to get rid of them before they turn into large colonies.
Ready for more home improvement guides and strategies like this? Then feel free to read our other latest home hacks and blog posts!