How to Tell If You Have a Mold Problem in Your Home or Business

Hey there, I’m a 35 -year-old mold inspector who’s been working in Conejo Valley for years, and I’ve seen it all—mold hiding in walls, growing behind furniture, even taking over entire basements. Most people don’t realize they have a mold problem until it gets out of control, and by then, it’s a real headache (literally and figuratively).

So, how do you know if mold is creeping into your home or business? Here are some simple signs to watch for. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to get your place checked out.

1. Your House Smells… Off

Mold has a distinct smell—kind of musty, damp, and just not right. If you notice a persistent earthy or stale odor that you just can’t seem to get rid of, especially in basements, bathrooms, or under sinks, mold could be the culprit. If your nose picks up on something funky, don’t ignore it!

2. You See Strange Stains or Discoloration

Mold doesn’t always show up as big, obvious black spots. Sometimes, it looks like:

✔️ Small dark spots on walls, ceilings, or baseboards
✔️ Green, white, or orange fuzzy patches
✔️ Peeling or bubbling paint (moisture underneath is a sign of trouble)
✔️ Yellow or brown water stains that keep spreading

If you notice any suspicious spots that keep coming back after cleaning, you might have hidden mold.

3. You’re Constantly Sneezing, Coughing, or Feeling Stuffy

Mold releases tiny spores into the air, and when you breathe them in, they can mess with your health—especially if you have allergies, asthma, or respiratory issues.

Common mold-related symptoms include:
✔️ Runny nose or congestion that won’t go away
✔️ Frequent sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes
✔️ Headaches or dizziness
✔️ Worsening asthma symptoms

If you feel fine outside but start feeling stuffy or irritated at home, mold might be growing somewhere in your space.

4. There’s Been Water Damage or Leaks

Mold loves moisture. If your home has had past flooding, pipe leaks, roof damage, or humidity issues, there’s a high chance that mold has started growing—even if you don’t see it yet.

Places to check for hidden mold:
✔️ Under sinks and behind toilets
✔️ Inside cabinets and closets
✔️ Behind drywall or under carpets
✔️ In basements, attics, and crawl spaces

If there’s been water sitting anywhere for more than 24-48 hours, mold has had time to start growing.

5. Your AC or Vents Smell Musty

If you turn on the air conditioning or heater, and suddenly there’s a musty, damp smell filling the room, there’s a chance that mold is hiding in your air ducts.

This is a big problem because mold in your HVAC system spreads spores through your entire home, making it harder to contain and remove.

6. The Mold Keeps Coming Back

Tried scrubbing mold off the walls, only to have it come back a week later? That’s because mold isn’t just on the surface—it’s deep inside porous materials like drywall, wood, and carpet.

If you’re constantly battling the same spots over and over, it’s not a cleaning problem—it’s a moisture problem. You need to find the source and get professional help.

What to Do If You Think You Have Mold

If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t wait—mold spreads fast, and the longer it’s in your home, the harder it is to remove. Here’s what you can do:

✅ Check for leaks – Fix any plumbing issues ASAP.
✅ Ventilate your space – Open windows and run fans to reduce moisture.
✅ Use a dehumidifier – Ideal for damp areas like basements or bathrooms.
✅ Call a professional mold inspector – We can find hidden mold, stop it from spreading, and remove it safely.

**I’ve been helping homeowners and businesses in Conejo Valley for years, and I can tell you this—**mold is sneaky, but if you catch it early, you can stop it before it takes over.

Need help? 911 Restoration of Conejo Valley is available 24/7 for mold inspection, removal, and water damage restoration.

📞 Call us at (805) 212-1154 or visit 911RestorationofConejoValley.com for expert help today!

🚀 Because a Fresh Start is just one call away.