Mold is a sneaky home invader. It often lurks unseen in your house’s little-noticed nooks, crannies, and crevices. But given the chance, hidden mold can multiply rapidly and create big problems. Here are some of the most common spots where mold loves to set up camp.
Behind Wallpaper, Paneling, and Trim
Over time, moisture can seep behind wallpaper, paneling, baseboards, and crown molding, allowing mold colonies to thrive. Look for bubbling, peeling, or discoloration around these areas as a sign of moisture damage. Tearing away wallpaper or trim may reveal black mold growth on the underlying wall or subfloor.
Under Carpets, Rugs and Padding
Carpets, rugs, and padding readily trap dirt, moisture, and humidity—the perfect breeding ground for molds. Lift up the corners and edges of carpeting to check for black fuzzy mold growing on padding, hardwood, or subfloors. Musty carpet smells almost certainly indicate mold growth.
Throughout the Attic
Heat and humidity make attics susceptible to rampant mold growth. Inspect attic beams, insulation, walls, and floors carefully for black or green fuzziness. Roof leaks can foster large attic mold colonies. Check areas near vents and chimneys as well.
Around Windows, Doors, and Baseboards
Condensation, water leakage, and humidity around windows, doors, and baseboards create optimal mold conditions. Inspect rubber door seals and window frames for black mold spots. Look for discoloration at baseboard corners, which can mean moisture is trapped behind walls.
Behind Bathroom and Kitchen Drywall
Unseen water damage and leaks behind bathroom sinks, showers and tubs, or kitchen sinks can lead to drywall saturation and hidden mold infestations. Look for cracking grout, soft drywall corners, or moisture stains, which may indicate larger unseen mold issues inside walls.
Under Sinks, Appliances, and Pipe Leaks
Leaky pipes, overflowing drip pans, moisture under kitchen sinks, and large appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators can lead to localized mold spots. Check under and around sink pipes, fridge drip pans, dishwasher bases, and hot water heaters.
Inside HVAC Units and Ductwork
A musty smell from vents indicates mold inside HVAC systems. Condensation and standing water in AC units, evaporator coils, or ductwork provide optimal conditions for mold. Have an HVAC pro inspect the system for any accumulation of mold.
Throughout the Basement
Flooding, humidity, and leaks make basements highly prone to mold. Check finished and unfinished walls, floors, supports, corners, boxes, and furniture for black fuzziness or unusual discoloration that points to mold. Moldy basements should not be taken lightly.
Around Showers, Bathtubs and Bathroom Fixtures
Warm, humid bathrooms are a mold haven. Inspect shower tile grout, caulk, and ceilings for black-spotted mildew buildup. Look for mold around vanities, vents, windows, and toilet bases as well. Take bathroom mold growth seriously before it spreads.
Trust your nose – any musty, mildewy smell likely stems from mold accumulating somewhere inside your home. Left unchecked, small mold spots rapidly multiply and disperse spores. If you find extensive mold growth or suspect major infestations lurking out of sight, contact a professional mold remediation company like Valley Restoration Montrose. They have the expertise, equipment, and solutions to eliminate mold and prevent regrowth. Don’t wait; be proactive in hunting down and wiping out hidden household mold.