Does Your House Smell Like Mold?

Have you noticed the smell of mold in your home, but weren’t sure if you were imagining it or what you should do about it? As a premier provider of mold testing in Aspen, CO, we’re well qualified to give advice about how to identify mold, how you can help prevent it in your home and what you should do when you first identify its presence.

Identifying a mold odor

First, it’s important to note that mold may not always be visible. It can grow in walls, flooring, HVAC ducts and more.

Mold may not smell the same to everyone, but a common description of a mold smell is a musty or displeasing odor. You may also detect a rotting smell or notice a scent in the air that is similar to the smell present after a significant rainfall.

How to prevent mold

Make sure that you regularly examine your home for any leaks in the roof or plumbing. Pay close attention to your basement or any other areas of your home that may be especially prone to mold growth. In addition, make a point to check your ductwork for any mold issues that may have developed. Don’t neglect your appliances, including your refrigerator and freezer and laundry machines, when checking for mold.

One frequent location for mold growth in the home is windows. If your windows are regularly subject to condensation, be sure to dry them frequently and use a dehumidifier, which will lower the possibility that mold or moisture will appear.

What to do if you detect mold

If you notice mold growing anywhere in your home, know that air fresheners or other scents will not resolve the problem. You may be tempted to try to treat mold yourself by using bleach. However, bleach will not eliminate the mold. It can prevent mold from growing for a short time and alter its coloring, but once the bleach wears off, mold will begin to grow again.

If you’ve determined that mold has been growing in your home, it’s important to arrange for mold testing as soon as possible. Once you notice a mold smell, the situation likely requires an expert to eliminate the problem so that it will not become worse. The professional you hire will be able to locate where the mold has been growing and provide advice on next steps, such as mold remediation.

While home test kits to identify mold do exist, it is very easy for these to be incorrect if the tests are not conducted properly. A professional will have the expert knowledge to perform a thorough investigation that will result in definitive findings.

If you need to arrange for mold testing in Aspen, CO, it’s essential to work with a company you can trust. HealthSafe Inspections Inc. has provided mold testing and mold consulting for more than a decade and draws on more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Our indoor environmental consulting firm also provides a variety of other services, including on-site investigation and sampling, report writing, recommendations and post-remediation verification. In addition to mold, we can test for allergens, asbestos, bacteria, lead, radon gas and more. To take the first step toward a mold-free environment, contact us today!

Categorised in: Mold

This post was written by Writer