How To Check for Black Mold in Your House

If left untreated, black mold can pose serious health risks and damage your home. Identifying and addressing black mold early is crucial for preventing harm to you and your home. In this blog, we’ll share how to check for black mold in your house so that you can spot and remove it promptly. Visual Inspection Start by visually inspecting areas of your home prone to moisture and humidity, conditions that can cause mold growth, such as your windows . Look for black or dark-colored patches that look like dirt or soot. Aside from looking for the mold itself, look for warping and discoloration of surfaces. These abnormalities may be signs of water damage or mold. Use Your Sense of Smell Although visual inspections are helpful, they aren’t foolproof ways to determine if your home has black mold. Mold can grow in hidden and hard-to-reach areas you may not see. However, your sense of smell offers another chance to detect mold. Black mold often produces a distinct and unpleasant odor that some people liken to the smell of dirty socks. If you detect a musty smell that persists after cleaning, it could indicate the presence of mold in your home. Consider a Professional Inspection If you’ve seen a patch of mold, smell its musty odor, or are concerned about mold in your home, consider hiring a professional mold inspector or remediation specialist to inspect your home. Professionals have the expertise, tools, and equipment to conduct thorough inspections and find mold. A professional mold inspection may involve air sampling, surface testing, moisture detection, and visual inspection. While professional inspections come at a cost, they can ensure you know if your home has mold and offer suggestions for removing it. Now that you know how to check for black mold in your house, you can reduce the risk of health or structural damage to you or your home caused by mold. You can maintain a healthy and mold-free living environment by following these steps and proactively checking for black mold.