Stinky Smells In Your Home? Identifying A Mold Issue

There are many things that give off unpleasant odors, but it can be hard to identify the cause. A musty-smelling closet or cabinet can really be stinky if the problem isn’t recognized and resolved. While sometimes it may be just old mothballs or something simple to fix, the problem could be mold.

A leak can cause a moisture problem in wood, drywall, carpet, and flooring that quickly turns into a mold problem. Unfortunately, moldy, mildewy cabinets, stinky wood floors, and musty odor in the basement are not only annoying but possibly unhealthy. Star Quality Air Conditioning Inc. provides a professional duct cleaning and mold removal services.

Here are some ways to check for mold to see if this is what’s causing the smell.

How To Check Cabinets For Mold

If the odor is coming from the bottom cabinets in your kitchen or bathroom, moisture may be causing mold to grow underneath or behind. To check, look inside at the board at the bottom of the cabinet and along the back of the wall.

It is not uncommon for another owner to have had a plumbing leak but neglected to repair the cabinetry. Or, there could be a leak going on now. If the wood of the cabinet is damaged in any way, the stench could be caused by mold growing underneath.

It is often necessary to remove the bottom board of the cabinet to see what is going on underneath it. Most cabinets have drywall backs, so look for mold in the form of dark spots or black areas.

Check The Outside Of Exterior Walls For Moisture Damage

If mold is causing a musty odor in your home, moisture could be getting in through an exterior wall. This is not an uncommon problem with old stone or brick and mortar walls. Walk around the exterior of the house and look for any signs of damage. The mortar may be loose or gone. The longer this damage exists, the worse the mold problem will get.

Check The Attic Insulation For Wetness

Another common problem is a leaky roof that drips water through the attic and then the walls or ceiling in a house. You can inspect the attic insulation for dampness more easily than you could open up a wall. This could very likely be the problem if you can’t locate the source of a stinky odor in your house.

Health Symptoms That May Indicate Mold Exposure

You can also check up on the health of everyone living in the home. Do you suffer with any chronic illnesses or feel tired all the time? Some symptoms may be a sign that you are living with unhealthy mold.

First, remember that not all mold is toxic to our health. But, toxic molds are not good to breathe, especially in enclosed quarters. Remember also that mold exposure affects different people in different ways. Some suffer more than others – generally the elderly, very young, or already ill.

If you experience some of the common symptoms of mold exposure, your best bet is to hire a mold removal company to solve the problem. Here are some of the symptoms associated with mold exposure:

• Breathing problems
• Tingling or numb feelings
• Weakness and fatigue
• Memory, concentration, or speaking problems
• Headaches, migraines, and light sensitivity

For more information about Identifying Mold, please call Star Quality Air Conditioning at 772.299.4113 or complete our online request form.