man with magnifying glass looking for black moldIt’s a scenario that every homeowner dreads. Maybe you’ve caught glimpses of it in those seldom visited corners, or behind fixtures and appliances. Perhaps you’ve been noticing a strange smell in certain rooms or areas. Maybe you’ve started to develop troubling symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, a sore throat, or watery and itchy eyes. Regardless of what tipped you off, the panic sets in as you realize that you may have a black mold infestation in your home.

Black mold is black in appearance and usually emits a strong odor.

Black mold is commonly referred to as toxic mold – and there’s a reason for that. It can have troubling long-term health consequences if you inhale the spores for too long. Black mold is a common indoor mold, and like, many molds, it favors areas which are damp, humid, and dark. Unfortunately, these are the areas where you aren’t likely to spend a lot of time, and where you’re least likely to notice the beginning of an infestation.

Luckily, although black mold is dangerous and insidious, it can also be eliminated if you detect it early and take the right steps. To help you catch it before it becomes a problem, here are some common places where you might find black mold growing in your home:

  • Underneath kitchen and bathroom sinks. Black mold tends to grow in areas that are dark and moist. Since most sink fixtures still allow some moisture to escape, underneath them is a common place to check for mold.
  • Underneath carpeting. It’s not uncommon to spill liquids or foods on carpeting which is not fully removed. If it seeps through, there’s a chance that mold can establish itself under the carpet.
  • Around air conditioning units. Air conditioning units also expel moisture and so the area around them can be a good environment for mold. The same function that moves air around can also spread black mold spores around your house.
  • Underneath or behind refrigerators. Again, refrigerators accumulate moisture and don’t always seal/control moisture completely. It may be a pain, but be sure to check around your refrigerator if you’re worried about a mold infestation.
  • Around Windows. Windows, especially if they are thin or poorly insulated, are a possible way for moisture to enter your home and encourage the growth of black mold.
  • Bathrooms. Bathrooms are probably the most common rooms in a house to contain black mold. It’s important to check in and around shower and tub areas as these are perfect environments for black mold to grow.
  • Walls that contain plumbing. You’re probably starting to notice a trend here. Moisture is the biggest factor when considering areas which may contain black mold in your home. Therefore, any walls that house plumbing are a suspect if you’re noticing signs such as a musky odour.

Black mold is very adaptable and spreads quickly, so this list isn’t comprehensive when it comes to finding black mold in your home. It is a good starting point, however, and checking these common problem areas can take a lot of stress of your mind. Remember that if you do have an infestation, you should talk to a mold removal professional serving Olympia and Tacoma, like the ones at Clean Green Restoration that use organic non-toxic mold removal products. Contact us early and thorough management can be the key to preventing any further problems.

To learn more about black mold, check out our frequently asked questions about home mold.