Have you ever been in a room in your house and caught a whiff of a scent that you know isn't pleasant- maybe you'd describe it as moldy, or perhaps musty? Chances are this smell is a good indicator that there is mold somewhere in your house. Don't neglect what your sniffer is telling you- If there's mold on your home, it should be found and its cause corrected. Although not all mold is extremely health hazardous, it's best to the health of your home to eliminate the source of mold.
It's important to note that removing problem mold may not remove the moldy odors. The odors found in mold are MVOCs or Mold Volatile Organic Compounds. What can tend to happen is that these MVOC's permeate other items like curtains, clothing, upholstered furniture and carpets. The only way to rid your home of these odors entirely is to have these items thoroughly cleaned. Exposure to sunlight and clean air can help with the cleaning process.
As you're hunting, or sniffing, remember that different mold genera/species can produce a wide variety of odors. But it's important to investigate them all.
Beyond the potential dangers of mold, there can be a variety of odors you detect in your home which could be linked to potentially dangerous sources. So it's important to pay attention to the smells, try and find their source or hire a professional who can investigate for you.
Keep tuned to these variations in condition that can alter the mold odors you are sensing:
Wind:: Wind is an element that tends to pressurize the walls differently and can cause the wall cavity contents to either be detectable or not.
Humidity: Changes in humidity can cause the mold to behave differently. For example a change in humidity can cause mold to begin releasing spores in visible green dusty clouds.
General weather changes: When the weather shifts, the behavior of the mold shifts and can cause variances in the odors you detect. This includes temperature changes, which can also affect MVOC production.
Mechanical Disturbances: Such disturbances can upset moldy materials and sometimes results in the extreme increase in the level of airborne spores and other fungal materials. This might also cause an increase in the level of detectable moldy odors.
Light: Mold growth and behavior can be affected by light and seasonal changes.
In terms of sourcing out where the smell is coming from, it's best to know as much as possible about the house, its previous occupants, and any history of leaks or damage. This, along with following your nose and eyes can help you deduce the source of the problem. Mold tests can be helpful but really cannot substitute careful visual inspection.
If you have discovered mold, it's best to consult a professional who can test the type of mold, and let you know whether or not it's a serious to moderate concern. They will also be able to tell you the safest approach to removing the mold and stopping future outbreaks.
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