It’s unsightly, it smells, and it’s a health hazard. But how long does it take for mold to grow and when should you be concerned about it?

While each case of mold growth is slightly different in terms of temperature and humidity levels, in general, it can take as little as 24 to 48 hours for mold to begin growing. Spores colonize in 3 to 12 days and they become visible as those small dark spots in about 18 to 21 days.

So in short, you may have the beginnings of mold growth after 24 hours but you may not see it for as many as 21 days. Relying on your sense of smell and being diligent about the overall health of everyone in the home can offer a suspicion that you have mold somewhere in the home, long before you will be able to see it.

What Are The Signs Of Mold Exposure?

You may not see any difference in your home unless you look hard enough but you may actually feel different. If everyone in your home seems to be getting sick often in some endless rotation of sneezing, coughing, and eye soreness, it’s a sign that something is not right in the home. Also, mold tends to give off a musty odor that can permeate a room or even the entire home. It’s quite noticeable, so in between those stuffed-up noses, you may be able to detect the presence of mold through its scent.

Mold tends to grow where there is easy access to water or heavy humidity, so seeing mold in a bathroom or laundry room is common. Look for small dark spots on tiles, around sinks, or in the bathtub. If you have a past or current water leak in and around your home, check it regularly for any of the signs we’ve mentioned. A seemingly insignificant leak can lead to a very large mold problem depending on where it is and the nature of the leak.

In the winter, windows tend to fog up with condensation between the cold air outside and the warm air in your home. This is a good place to start when checking for mold as the spring arrives. Those tiny dark spots in the corners of your windows may be mold. Small patches of mold are inevitable throughout a home but these instances can be quickly and easily taken care of with a bleach and water mixture.

How To Check For Mold In Your House?

Mold can be a major problem in anyone’s home. If you suspect you have a mold problem in your home, it’s important to take action to address it as soon as possible, as mold can cause health problems for some people. Consider consulting with a professional mold remediation Chicago service to help identify and remove any mold in your home. Even if there is only suspicion of mold, it should be taken care of quickly by mold test experts.