Mold.

The word alone conjures up mental imagery that is enough to make your stomach turn: green spots growing on your sandwich bread; the smell of curdled milk. 



But when mold infests your house, the signs may not be so obvious. Even the most spotless, sparkling-clean homes may have mold lurking in unexpected places. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mold can rear its ugly head on any surface in the home, including wood, paper, carpet and foods. Its appearance may differ based on its species and the surface it has latched onto. It may be purple, orange, green, black or white. 

When present in the home, mold releases tiny spores that float through the air. Left unattended and untreated, mold colonies can multiply quickly, leading to serious health issues for your family and irreparable structural damage to your home. 

Sound scary? It doesn’t have to be. After reading this article, you’ll know the 11 signs that there may be mold in your home and how to treat the problem if it does arise. 

Signs Your Home May Have a Mold Problem

1. Rotten Smell

Is there a damp, musty odor reminiscent of the smell of old books emanating from your floors or walls? This stench could be caused by "mold volatile organic compounds" (MVOCs), or chemicals released during the mold life cycle. It's a surefire sign that there may be a mold issue in your humble abode.

2. Spotted Clothing

Inspect the fibers of your clothing for white or black spots that feel fluffy or slimy to the touch. This may be an indication that there is a larger mold problem within the home.

Pro-tip: Throw dirty clothes straight into the washing machine. Damp clothes stored in unventilated areas are hot spots for mold!

3. Contaminated Carpets

Carpeted areas and rugs are at especially high risk for becoming a breeding ground for mold in the home. Pay close attention to any spots, odors and stains on the carpet. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it is important to examine both sides of the carpet and padding.

Pro-tip: Having carpets and rugs cleaned professionally a few times each year is a great way to uncover and avoid this problem! 

4. Water Heater Hideaway

Any area in the home that is prone to moisture, like the water heater closet, is attractive for mold growth. Because water heaters are often situated in hard-to-reach areas of the home, leaks can be difficult to access and may go unnoticed. To prevent a mold problem resulting from a leaky water tank, check for condensation on the floor and walls around the heater often. 

5. Allergy or Asthma Flare-Ups

Certain species of mold release a harmful substance called mycotoxin, which can trigger respiratory issues for those with allergies and asthma (and anyone else, for that matter). Have you found yourself sneezing, coughing, feeling fatigued or blowing your nose no matter the time of year? It may be time to give the home a thorough inspection. 

6. Fungus in the Furniture

Mildew is attracted to moist leather and wood, and mold particles are more likely to be retained in porous materials like upholstered furniture and foam. Frequently inspect the fibers of your furniture for any discolored spots, fuzz or spores.

7. Warped Walls

One of the most common reasons paint begins to bubble and wallpaper appears distorted is moisture, which grants the potential for mold. If your walls appear warped, identify the source of the moisture, like a nearby leaky windowsill, and fix the problem before it breeds mold. 

8. Persistent Cough or Cold

Have you been fighting a cough that just won’t seem to go away? Prolonged exposure to mold may exacerbate respiratory illnesses, like persistent or recurring bronchitis and pneumonia. The first line of defense is to consult with your doctor for treatment and to rule out any other underlying illnesses. If there are other indications of a mold problem in your home, this must also be treated by professionals promptly and comprehensively. 

9. Funky A/C Filters

Does your standalone air conditioning unit emit a musty smell after being turned on? Can you see black, fuzzy spots on the filter? It could be black mold. 

First, it is important to use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Regularly clean the unit and replace the filters to starve existing mold of its food sources: moisture and dust. 

Pro-tip: Watch this handy video about how to effectively clean your A/C.

10. Tarnished Tiles

Is there noticeable gunk in the grout of your bathroom tiles? This is an indication of mold and mildew buildup. 

To avoid this issue, use a squeegee to wipe water from the tub and walls after showering or bathing. Refrain from placing wet towels and clothes in the hamper and swiftly clean the shower curtain if you notice any discoloration.

Pro-Tip: Purchase an affordable handheld squeegee here.

11. Previous Water Damage Event

Have you previously had the misfortune of discovering a water damage event like flooding or burst pipes in your home? If the water was extracted efficiently and properly, there is likely resulting mold growth.

Because fungus feeds on moisture, water damage often leads to mold problems which can be costly and can potentially harm the structural integrity of your home. To learn about how to manage a water damage event, click here.

According to the EPA, there is no simple way to eliminate all mold within a home, so it is important to stay diligent in detecting any possible problems.

If you notice any of the above warning signs, it is important to thoroughly and comprehensively remove mold colonies before they multiply even further. 

Trust the Experts. Trust ProClean.

Our highly-trained, certified mold removal professionals follow a proven, step-by-step process to make your home or business safe again.

First, we visually inspect the area to find any potential mold, tracing it to the source if possible. Then, our team contains the affected area and removes moldy, non-salvageable, porous material and implements negative air pressure technology to keep harmful mold spores from traveling from the air to your lungs. 

Next, we utilize advanced HEPA filtered vacuums to help eliminate mold on non-porous surfaces, then set up air scrubbers with HEPA filters. 

Finally, we ULV fog with a powerful antimicrobial solution to ensure that we treat the deepest, darkest corners of your home; then, we clean and sanitize the remaining salvageable contents as necessary. 

The moment you notice mold, you must act. Even a small amount of mold in the home can multiply quickly, and it’s entirely possible that there is more existing mold than what meets the eye. 

Call ProClean today to ensure the safety of your home and health of your loved ones within it.