Sometimes, there’s more to mould than meets the eye. It can be hiding in places we don’t look – or presenting in a way we can’t see. This guide to hidden mould will help you keep your home safe and healthy, preventing mould growth and giving you the information you need to tackle existing infestations.
We’ll explain the risks to your property and health, and give you practical advice to ensure you’re taking the right steps at every stage.
Short on time? Here’s the TL;DR (too long, didn’t read):
- Mould loves to hide in the dark and the damp – it pays to check behind furniture, in attics, behind appliances, and anywhere that has been exposed to a leak in the past
- Keep an eye (and nostril) out for things like discolouration, damp smells, and peeling paint – these can all be signs that mould is starting to take hold!
- Act fast, because mould spreads: don’t risk cross contamination, and address leaks as soon as you’re aware of them
What Makes Mould Hidden and Hard to Detect?
Mould thrives on moisture and low light, which allows it to hide out of plain sight a lot of the time. Here, we’ll talk about the phenomenon of ‘invisible mould’ – mould that hides in your air circulation systems, walls, under the sinks and in the ceilings – all the places you’re not looking (but still using). We’ll help you detect it early – before it’s a big (and expensive) problem to solve.
Common Areas Where Hidden Mould Thrives
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it will give you a solid idea of where you’ll need to look when you’re searching for the so-called invisible mould.
Take a look…
Behind walls and in wall cavities
Moisture from leaks and condensation can create perfect conditions for mould to grow/
Underneath floors
If you have carpets, wooden floors, or raised flooring, you should check these regularly for mould and quickly address any spills or moisture issues. For carpets simply pulling up the corners in suspect areas can reveal a clean underlay through to completely black with mould like growth.
Basements, Attics, roof cavities and garage spaces
Both high humidity and a lack of airflow can help these areas become the perfect breeding grounds for mould. They’re usually nice and ark, with much less foot traffic, meaning that leasks can go undetected for long periods.
Behind appliances and furniture
We very commonly see mould behind appliances like dishwashers and fridges, due to their tendency for condensation. But it’s not uncommon to find mould thriving behind a couch or under a rug, especially in a humid climate!
Ductwork and HVAC systems
Mould can easily spread in vents and ducts, and can cause real and rapid air quality issues – expert cleaning and frequent checks are your best bet.
Signs of Hidden Mould in Your Home
While mould hides in plain sight, it’s not hard to detect if you know where to look.
We’ve broken down the signs so you can detect mould before it becomes a real problem.
Primary signs: Signs of mould you might already be noticing
- Discolouration: You might notice patches on walls and carpet that appear different to their surroundings.
- Fuzzy/slimy texture: Noticing this on surfaces – in cupboards or behind appliances – is a good indicator that you’re dealing with hidden mould.
- Musty odour: An earthy, stale smell indoors is never a good sign – use this as a sign to check for hidden mould in the places we mentioned above.
Secondary signs: Signs of mould growth that might go unchecked
- Water damage or damp spots: On walls, on shelves, ceilings, floorboards, and especially on carpets, these indicate a leak or water damage.
- Condensation: If you notice excessive condensation, even in a room like a bathroom where it is often expected, this should put you on alert for mould.
- Persistent humidity levels: These are the conditions under which mould thrives – take steps to dehumidify your spaces where possible.
- Peeling or bubbling paint: This could also be a sign that water damage has entered your building, and that mould could be hiding.
How to Find Mould in Hidden Areas
With the tips above, you can identify the risks and spot the signs. But there are other ways that professionals can identify mould.
Tools like moisture meters and infrared cameras are highly useful in identifying mould – they detect the moisture that is its precursor. Professionals, like Cleopatra Cleaning, will have these on hand and be able to use them to create a complete picture of your mould problem, before effectively managing the situation and helping remediate your space.
The Health Risks of Hidden Mould
Mould is more than just an unpleasant, unsightly affliction. Breathing in mould spores comes with plenty of health risks – from worsening allergies and aggravating respiratory conditions. You might experience symptoms like throat irritations, dizziness, nausea, and headaches as a result of inhaling mould spores.
There is also the potential for more serious health complications, including fungal infections of the skin and lungs. While the range of possible adverse outcomes varies from mild to extremely severe, they should never be ignored. Even mild symptoms can worsen and contribute to chronic health conditions over time. Removing these mould spores from your home will help create a healthy i
Prevention Tips to Avoid Hidden Mould in Your Home
We’ve got four tips to help you avoid mould in your home – to help you avoid having to go through in-depth mould removal and restoration processes in your home.
- Control the humidity: Keeping humidity below 60% goes a long way to ensuring that your home doesn’t become a haven for mould spores. Moisture metres can help detect these levels – we use these every day in our work! You can also install a home dehumidifier to help prevent further mould growth once you’ve gone through with your mould removal.
- Proper Ventilation: Poor ventilation is a major contributor to mould growth. Ensure that you’ve got adequate airflow in those high-moisture areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries. Installing an exhaust fan is a must for bathrooms – ensure it’s in proper working order and repaired as a matter of priority if it’s not.
- Fix leaks promptly: Mould can grow fast, and retained or trapped moisture can cause serious damage. Leaky pipes and taps might not be high on your priority list right now, but we strongly encourage you to act on them to prevent mould growing. Get repairs conducted as quickly as you can to ensure that mould doesn’t take over.
- Regular Inspections: Whether it’s you conducting them or a professional, checking for mould should be part of your regular home maintenance schedule. Especially in Queensland, where humidity is known for being sky-high, it’s just one of the realities of property ownership!
What to Do If You Find Hidden Mould
If you discover mould or the aforementioned mould warning signs, there is help available! And you’re certainly not alone! We’re experts in mould remediation and can tackle the project for you – just get in touch! We’ll start with the appropriate protective equipment and contain the mould to prevent further damage. We’ll ensure that the moisture issue is addressed and offer our professional remediation and restoration services so you can get back to your healthy home safely.
What decades in the business have taught us is that even persistent mould issues can be tackled, and addressing the issue early and swiftly can prevent the most damage and circumvent the most health risks.
What’s next?
So, if you’re concerned that you’re living alongside hidden mould, we’re here for you! Don’t risk the health impacts – get in touch and we’ll be here to help with friendly, professional service.