Did you know that around 70% of American homes have mold? That can be a scary statistic!
The truth is, most houses have mold spores in them, but they might not ever get out of control enough to pose a threat. But how do you know when it does become a problem?
Here’s how to test for mold in your home.
Apply a Bleach Solution
Maybe you’ve noticed a dark spot on your wall. Is it dirty, or is it mold?
You’ll want to make a bleach solution of 1 part bleach and 16 parts water. Now dip a clean cloth in the solution and dab it on the spot.
If the spot quickly disappears after you dab it, it might be mold. If the spot keeps coming back after repeated application of the bleach solution, then it’s very likely that you’ve got mold.
Perform a Sniff Test
Mold and mildew have very distinctive smells. If a corner of your bedroom smells musty and it feels pretty humid, that’s a sign of mold.
In addition to the sniff test, pay attention to how your allergies have been like. If you’ve suddenly had watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, and throat irritation, and it’s not allergy season, this can be a reaction to mold in the home.
This is especially true if your symptoms are persistent and seem to get better when you’re not in the problem area and/or your house. This can signal mold exposure in your property.
Probe the Area
You should never touch mold with your bare hands, but you can do this with a screwdriver or any other sharp tool.
Gently probe the suspected area. If it gives way and/or crumbles, it’s very possible there’s water damage. This means there’s a high probability of mold as well.
Purchase a Mold Test Kit
There are several mold test kits you can purchase online. Many are simply tests that tell you whether or not you have mold, and won’t specify which type is present if applicable.
For this reason, if you get a positive test kit and you’ve tried the above steps as well, you should then proceed with the next suggestion.
Get Professional Mold Inspection Done
If you suspect you have mold growing in your house, then don’t hesitate to book a mold inspection from a professional. They’ll be able to thoroughly examine your home, test any suspect areas, show you the report, and give you great advice on how to move forward. This includes mold removal and prevention.
Know How to Test for Mold in Your Home to Protect Your Family
By knowing how to test for mold in your home, you’ll be able to keep your family safe and healthy. Make sure that you keep an eye on your property and get any suspect areas tested for confirmation. That way, you can take care of the problem before it becomes too unruly and damaging.
If you want to further improve your indoor air quality, keep reading our blog page now.
