How to Tell if There's Mold in the House
Mold is a form of fungus that grows in moist areas. The spores from mold can grow in basements, on building materials and even on home furnishings if moist conditions exist. Mold spores need nutrients to grow and can obtain these nutrients from organic material in drywall or carpeting. Mold also grows in areas with a lot of moisture such as areas that have had flooding, water leakage or high levels of humidity and condensation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Check for odors in your home which can indicate you have a mold problem. Mold smells musty, like wet leaves or wet clothes that have been left too long in an enclosed washing machine. If, upon entering your home, you detect a musty smell, try to locate where the scent is the strongest. You may find a source of mold where the smell is the most powerful. You may recognize a musty scent more easily if you've been away from the home for a while or if the home has been closed up while you are on vacation.
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Visually inspect areas of your home that are susceptible to high amounts of moisture. Check basements, attics and storage areas for indications that mold is growing. Mold can look like a stain or a discoloration on furniture or materials. Mold can grow in various shades of color and can look like fuzz. It can also look like cotton, velvet or similar consistencies.
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Recurring allergy symptoms or other health conditions may indicate a mold problem in the home. This includes wheezing, bronchial, nasal or throat issues. Individuals who have mold sensitivities may notice their symptoms becoming worse near the source of mold. Serious respiratory infections may occur if a person has a compromised immune system and is exposed to mold.
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Testing for mold is not recommended according to the Minnesota Department of Health. They recommend visually determining if mold is present rather than testing. However, it is impossible to determine visually if mold is present in certain places, such as under carpet padding and behind wallpaper. In that case, a sampling test may help to determine the exact location of the mold.
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Remove the mold from your home if you find evidence that it exists. Thoroughly dry the affected area with fans or dehumidifiers. Use a mixture of bleach and water (one-quarter cup bleach per gallon of water) and clean the surfaces where the mold is growing. Repair any leaks and clean up any standing water in the area.
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Tips & Warnings
Individuals who are susceptible to mold irritations should avoid areas around the outer perimeters of the house where mold may grow. This includes compost piles and freshly cut grass.
