Signs of Hidden Mold After a Leak

Mold often grows where you can’t see it. These are the signs that it may be there, and where to look.

Common Signs

A musty, earthy smell, especially in a closed room or cabinet.
Stains or discoloration on walls and ceilings that come back after cleaning.
Peeling, bubbling or cracking paint or wallpaper.
Warped, swollen or soft baseboards, cabinets and flooring.
Condensation that keeps forming on windows or walls.
A past leak that was never professionally dried.

Where to Look

Under kitchen and bathroom sinks, and behind the dishwasher and fridge.
Around tubs, showers and toilets, especially at the base.
Closets on exterior walls and behind furniture against them.
Attics under the AC unit or below roof leaks.
Crawlspaces under raised foundations.
Around the water heater and washing machine.

When to Get Help

EPA guidance says small areas, under about 10 square feet, can often be cleaned by a homeowner with gloves, goggles and an N-95 mask. Larger areas, mold inside walls or in the HVAC system, or mold after contaminated water should be handled by professionals with containment.

If you can see mold, testing is usually unnecessary. Testing can help when you smell mold but can’t find it, or to confirm an area is clear after cleanup.

Fix the Moisture

Mold needs water. Cleaning it without fixing the leak, the condensation or the poor ventilation behind it means it will come back. That is the first thing to solve, before or along with removal.

Common Questions

Does a musty smell always mean mold?

Not always, but it usually means moisture. Finding and drying the moisture is the first step either way.

Can I just paint over mold?

No. Paint peels off mold and the growth continues underneath.

Is black mold more dangerous than other mold?

The EPA advises treating all indoor mold the same way: remove it and fix the moisture, whatever its color.

Tell Us What Happened.

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