7 Places to Check for Hidden Mold in Your Home

For someone who cleans their house regularly, the idea that mold could be hiding in hidden places might seem ridiculous. Mold? In your home? You must be kidding. It’s more likely than you think (or hope). You may not realize it, but there’s a real chance that you’re dealing with a small mold infestation in your home right now. It’s time to get it checked out. In fact, if you don’t, power are harmful to your health.

As you may already know, mold is a nasty fungus that can grow rapidly and easily go unnoticed and spread over time if you don’t remove it immediately. Here’s the bad news: Your home can be a breeding ground for mold spores, especially if it’s damp or has had water leaks or flooding. “Anywhere there’s a chance of moisture, there’s a chance for mold growth,” says Laureen Burton, a chemist/toxicologist at the Environmental Protection Agency‘s Indoor Environments Division, told CNET.

We’ll help you discover where mold might be hiding in your home, and what to look for. We’ll also explain the steps you need to take to get rid of it as quickly as possible. And speaking of, don’t let mold grow in your Keurig; here’s how to clean it.

Signs There May Be Mold in Your Home

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

Musty smell:An earthy odor in your home may be an indication that mold is present.

Stains on walls:If anything is leaking, especially plumbing in your walls or ceiling, you will likely see water stains (or water damage). If so, mold may be growing in the walls.

See visible mold: Mold can come in a variety of colors and textures. For example, it can be black, white, and even green, and can be fluffy or slimy.

Your allergies are acting up: Mold can cause allergic reactions when you inhale the spores, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of AmericaSymptoms may include congestion, coughing, runny nose, and sneezing.

Common Places Mold Can Hide in Your Home

Mold can be found almost anywhere and can grow anywhere as long as there is moisture. Here are some common places mold can be found in homes, according to Burton of the EPA.

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

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

Cellars: Sometimes basements can be dark, damp, and poorly ventilated — especially if there are no windows. And often there is a flood in the house, and then it is in the basement. This makes them a prime location for mold growth.

Bathrooms: Check around your showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilets for mold. Moisture often builds up in bathrooms, creating an ideal breeding ground for mold.

Behind walls: If a pipe bursts or even leaks, mold can grow without you knowing. Make sure to repair leaks immediately and clean up the spill.

KitchensMold can grow in areas in kitchens where pipes run, such as under the sink if there is a leak, but also around refrigerators and dishwashers.

Laundry rooms: Washing machines can be a breeding ground for mold (learn how to kill mold in your washing machine here), and so can the sinks in your laundry room.

How do you get rid of mold in your home?

Your first step in mold removal is to identify what’s causing the moisture problem — a leak or a damp home, for example — and fix it as soon as possible. Mold can destroy your property, Burton said, so you’ll want to act quickly.

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

Before you start cleaning, make sure you are wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves and an N95 face mask. You definitely do not 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 and water solution). Don’t use bleach, as bleach itself can be harmful, Burton said. Once you’re done cleaning the area, dry it quickly.

If you see mold on a soft surface, such as carpet or drywall, and you can’t get it dry within 24 to 48 hours, you may need to replace it.

Next, make sure there is sufficient air circulation in the area. Do this by turning on the extractor fan, ceiling fan, box fan and opening any windows.

If there is visible, widespread mold, or larger than 10 square feetthen you may need a professional.

Are there any preventative measures to prevent mold?

Moisture control. If an area stays damp or wet, mold will grow, 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 help prevent mold growth by not installing carpet over cement floors, which can cause condensation.

Check your home regularly to make sure there are no leaks, especially in areas you don’t use as often, such as the basement bathroom.

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

For more, here’s How to Quickly Clean Your Kitchen in Under 15 Minutes . And here’s How to Clean a House or Apartment Before You Move In .