How do I know if there is mold under my carpet?

Author: Katelyn Shanahan  |  Last update: Monday, January 5, 2026

Below are ways in which you can know that there's mold under your carpet.
  1. Moldy or Musty Smell. ...
  2. Color Changes in the Carpet. ...
  3. Tiny Mold Spots on the Carpet. ...
  4. Indoor Air Quality Check. ...
  5. Food Spoilage. ...
  6. Water Damage. ...
  7. Carpets With Burnt Edges. ...
  8. Carpet That Folds Under When Pressing.

Is there a way to detect mold under carpet?

If mold is in its advanced stages, then it may develop a discoloration. You may notice black or green spots all over your carpet. Keep in mind that the area underneath your carpet may develop discoloration before the carpet does. That is why it is a good idea to look underneath the carpet.

What are the symptoms of mold exposure in carpet?

black mold has the dark green or black appearance, earthy smell like rotten leaves. symptoms of mold exposure are a headache, sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, fatigue. long term symptoms, anxiety, losing hair, memory loss, muscle cramps, gaining weight for no reason.

What does mould under carpet smell like?

The musty or stale smell is the most common characteristic of mould odour all thanks to the mVOCs being released into the air. They can also account for the earthiness or sour odours. Because mould is usually accompanied by an excess water problem or an ongoing leak, you'll usually notice a damp smell as well.

What are signs of mold sickness?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

Mold Toxicity | 9 Symptoms of Mold Toxicity | Dr. J9 Live

How to test yourself for mold exposure?

There are several methods available to test for mold exposure:
  1. Blood Tests: Blood tests for mold exposure detect specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to mold exposure. ...
  2. Skin Prick Tests: This method involves exposing the skin to small amounts of common molds to check for allergic reactions.

How long does it take to get sick from mold exposure?

According to the CDC, people usually experience their first symptoms within 2 to 9 hours of their first exposure. On the other hand, some people could go for weeks or months before feeling sick if their exposure is limited enough. This is why it is also important to check damp, dark areas of your home for mold.

What kills mold under carpet?

Apply A Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture

For homeowners who prefer natural cleaning methods, a baking soda and white vinegar mixture can be effective for killing some mold. In addition, baking soda and vinegar can help eliminate tough odors resulting from musty fungi.

Are there mold detectors?

The Biomatrix mold monitor is more than the most technologically advanced smart home mold detector on the market. With the purchase of a Biomatrix device, your system will be monitored by a team of specialists, ensuring that your home is scanned for signs of trouble 24/7.

How to figure out where mold smell is coming from?

Leaks are common in doorways and windows that open to the outdoors, which can lead to dampness and in turn lead to mould. Entrances to the home are therefore a likely to be a source of damp smells, so try to check around the doorway for signs of mould.

How quickly does mold grow under carpet?

Carpet can absorb moisture when people walk into a home after a rainy day, spill a drink, or simply if the air is humid. The problem is moist carpets are one of the most ideal places for indoor mold to grow. It only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold spores to begin to grow on damp carpeting.

How do you know if your carpet is making you sick?

Symptoms include:
  • Itchy, skin, eyes, and nose.
  • Sneezing.
  • Running nose and eyes.
  • A scratchy throat.
  • Hives.
  • Coughing and wheezing.
  • Trouble breathing / Shortness of breath.
  • Pressure in your chest.

Can mold behind walls make you sick?

It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.

Can mold under carpet make you sick?

Mold can cause health issues ranging from a runny nose or headache, up to possible hair loss. Mold presence is especially dangerous to those suffering from respiratory issues such as COPD and asthma. When mold is residing in your carpeting there is also a chance for dermatitis, a type of skin rash, to occur.

How do you test for hidden mold in your house?

Home testing kits are typically petrie dishes that you place in a location where you suspect harmful mold might be growing. The dish is meant to collect spores over the course of 24 to 48 hours and then grow the spores into mold, which is then evaluated by a lab or visually inspected.

What does black mold look like on carpet?

Black mold often looks like a dark or black growth that covers an area or grows as a thick layer on surfaces like walls and floors. It can be greenish-black, greenish-brown, or dark brown. The color of the mold can sometimes change as it grows.

Can I test for mold in the air myself?

There are some kits that only test for the presence of mold on surfaces, while others collect or grow samples of the mold that may be in your home. In order to test for mold spores yourself without the help of a professional, you should purchase a viable mold test kit. These can range in price from about $20-$45.

How to test carpet for mold?

How to Detect Mold in Carpet? Visible mold spots can appear as black, green, or white patches on the carpet's surface. These spots are a clear indicator of mold growth. A persistent musty smell is often the first sign of mold.

How to tell if mold is behind walls?

How to Detect Mold in Walls
  1. Water stains.
  2. Dark rings.
  3. Discoloration.
  4. Deterioration like peeling, bubbling, or cracking of the paint or wallpaper.

Can mold spread under carpet?

3. Wet Padding Beneath the Carpet. If the padding directly under your carpet is wet, mold will begin to grow there as well, often spreading down into the wooden subfloor.

How to tell if a subfloor has mold?

Subfloor mold often shows up as dark spots or patches under your floors. You might find it under carpets, vinyl, or laminate. The mold can look like black, green, or white marks on plywood or OSB, which are common in homes since the 1950s. A musty smell is a sign of subfloor mold.

What are the symptoms of mold exposure?

Symptoms
  • Sneezing.
  • Runny or stuffy nose.
  • Cough and postnasal drip.
  • Itchy eyes, nose and throat.
  • Watery eyes.
  • Dry, scaly skin.

How do you prove mold is making you sick?

There's no proof that mold toxins cause diseases in people, so you don't need to detox after mold exposure. The best way to feel better if you have black mold allergy symptoms is to get out of the moldy environment and avoid any continued exposure.

What does a mold cough sound like?

The cough is typically dry and non-productive, meaning it doesn't bring up mucus. It is sometimes described as having a "barking" or "hacking" sound.

What does black mold smell like?

Toxic black mold growth has a more potent and identifiable smell, like the smell of decay, wet soil, or rot. Visually, it may be greenish-black, grayish-black, slimy, or more furry than other forms of mold or mildew.

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