The short answer
Start with a Visual Sweep
Walk through every room with a bright flashlight. Look for discolored patches on walls, ceilings, and baseboards. Green, black, or white spots can mean mold. Also check around windows, doors, and pipes for water stains or peeling paint.
Pay special attention to areas that stay damp. Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are common trouble spots. Humid weather can make mold grow faster in coastal areas. Open closets and cabinets to inspect hidden surfaces.
Trust Your Nose for Musty Odors
A musty, earthy smell is often the first clue. Even if you see nothing, a strong odor can mean mold is growing behind walls or under flooring. Walk through each room and pause to sniff near corners and vents.
The smell may be stronger in certain spots. Follow your nose to the source. If a room smells damp but looks clean, check behind furniture, under sinks, and inside air ducts. A persistent odor usually means hidden moisture.
- Check under sinks and around plumbing
- Look behind appliances like refrigerators and washers
- Inspect attic spaces and crawl areas
- Peel back carpet edges near walls
- Examine window sills and frames
- Feel walls for dampness or soft spots
Use Tools for a Closer Look
A moisture meter can help you find damp spots without tearing things apart. You can buy one at a hardware store or borrow one. Point it at walls, floors, and ceilings. High readings mean moisture is present, and mold may follow.
A borescope or endoscope camera lets you look inside wall cavities. Drill a small hole and insert the probe. This helps you see hidden mold without cutting large openings. Always wear a mask and gloves when probing.
Know When to Call the Pros
If you find visible mold or a strong musty smell, consider calling local water damage pros. They have the tools to find hidden moisture and the experience to handle mold safely. A water damage inspection can reveal the full extent of the problem.
The pros can also test air quality and surface samples. This helps identify what kind of mold you have and how widespread it is. If mold covers a large area or is in your HVAC system, professional help is often the safest route.
Protect Yourself While Checking
Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and safety goggles. Mold spores can irritate your lungs, skin, and eyes. If you have asthma or allergies, avoid direct contact. Open windows and doors for ventilation while you inspect.
Do not touch mold with bare hands. Use a plastic bag to collect any samples you want to show a professional. After checking, wash your clothes and shower. See a doctor if you feel unwell after exposure.
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Call Now (386) 272-5697Frequently asked questions
Can I test for mold myself with a home kit?
Yes, home mold test kits are available, but they have limits. They can show if spores are present, but they may not tell you the exact type or the source. A professional inspection often gives more reliable results, especially for hidden mold.
What should I do if I find mold in a vacant property?
First, stop the source of moisture, like a leak or high humidity. Then clean small areas with soap and water or a mold cleaner. For large patches or hidden mold, contact local water damage pros. They can remove the mold and fix the moisture problem.
Is mold in a vacant property dangerous?
Mold can cause health issues, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or weak immune systems. Breathing in spores may lead to coughing, sneezing, or skin irritation. If you feel unwell after being in the property, see a doctor. Always wear protective gear when checking.