If you can see it or smell it, fix it! Investigate your home. The most practical way to find a mold problem is by looking for it. Look for mold growth and use your nose to locate the source of a suspicious odor. If you see mold, or if there is an earthy or musty smell, you should assume a mold problem exists. Other clues are signs of excess moisture or the development or worsening of allergy-like symptoms.
Visible Mold Growth
Mold often appears as discoloration, staining, or fuzzy growth on the surface of furnishings or building materials. It may appear cottony, velvety, granular, or leathery, and have varied colors of:
For example, do you see any watermarks or discoloration on walls, ceilings, carpet, woodwork, or other building materials?
Hidden Mold Growth
Search for mold growth that may be hidden behind or underneath materials such as:
Carpet and Padding
Furniture
Poorly Caulked Showers or Tubs
Sink Cabinets
Stored Items
Vinyl Flooring
Wallpaper
Sometimes destructive techniques are needed to inspect and clean enclosed spaces where mold and moisture are hidden - inside a wall cavity, for example.
