Smelly Odors That May Mean You Have A Mold Problem In Your Home

You've noticed an awful stench lurking around your house lately, but you haven't quite figured out its hiding place. Going through all of the possibilities, you conclude it's neither the trash cans nor the diaper pail, and those smelly gym socks were just washed with the laundry. What else could it be? Unfortunately, smelly odors could mean there's a mold problem in your home. Some people describe the smell of mold as musty or pungent, sometimes resembling that of wet socks or decaying wood. If this sounds like what you're experiencing at home, mold is most likely the culprit.

If you suspect mold in the house, it's important to investigate it immediately. While the effects of mold are largely unknown, it still has the potential to cause health problems. This is because mold growth releases microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), and inhaling them has been linked to dizziness, fatigue, and nausea, as well as causing allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

Recognizing bodily reactions and symptoms associated with mold exposure will come in handy since, surprising, not all mold smells bad. Depending on the type of indoor mold, sometimes it lets off a sweet, tangy smell. Oftentimes, if you're unable to see where the mold is growing, the strength of the smell may help determine the extent of the damage it may be causing.

The best way to keep mold away is moisture control. It's important to fix leaky pipes and thoroughly dry any water damaged areas as soon as possible to prevent mold growth. As for getting rid of the culprit itself, there are easy ways to clean mold. You can wash mold off of hard surfaces with detergent and water. Absorbent material, like moldy carpets, however, need to be replaced. If odd smells are still lurking around the house after cleaning and removing everything that's contaminated with mold, it may be time to hire a professional for your mold problem.