You Might Be Living With Mold Without Realizing It, New Data Shows

You may not be able to see it, but mold could be hiding in plain sight—and, according to new data, it’s more common than most homeowners think.

A recent survey of 2,000 Americans, conducted by Talker Research for Rainbow Restoration, found that while the average person believes roughly 37 percent of U.S. homes contain mold, the real number is closer to 47 percent. That means nearly half of homes across the country may be harboring mold, often without their occupants even realizing it.

The Subtle Signs of Mold You Might Be Missing

Despite how clean you may think your home is, signs of mold can easily be missed. In fact, within the survey, three in four respondents claimed confidence in their ability to recognize it. Yet only a quarter could correctly identify the most common types of mold.

"Mold thrives in damp and poorly ventilated areas in a home," explains Josh Miller, president of Rainbow Restoration, a Neighborly company. "Areas highly susceptible to mold growth are bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, as well as around windows or doors. Mold can cause serious health problems if left untreated, so it’s important to be aware of indicators your home may be infected."

According to the survey, the most commonly recognized warning signs include water stains (21 percent), peeling paint (20 percent), and that telltale musty odor (19 percent). Other, more subtle clues can include damp or discolored surfaces, warping wood, or recurring allergy-like symptoms that don't seem to resolve.

Why So Many Homes Are at Risk for Mold

Confidence in your cleaning prowess doesn't make your home immune to mold. Mold can begin developing within just 24 to 48 hours of water exposure (often due to leaks or periods of high humidity), and, once established, it can spread quickly through walls, fabrics, and HVAC systems. Mold issues can also go undetected for long stretches of time: 39 percent of respondents admit they don’t inspect their home for mold each year, and one in five believe annual inspections aren’t necessary at all.

Interestingly, the survey also found that 18 percent of respondents discovered mold in their homes after a natural disaster such as flooding or severe storms. As Miller explains, “Mold growth is a side-effect of natural disasters, such as extreme flooding and torrential rains. It can spread rapidly if untreated, and owners should take immediate action if they experience any kind of water damage.”

Despite that, only seven percent of Americans think of mold when creating an emergency preparedness plan—far fewer than those who prioritize fire (19 percent), storm damage (14 percent), and power outages (11 percent).

How to Prevent Mold in Your Home

When nearly half of American homes have some form of mold, vigilance is essential, and prevention is the most effective defense. These simple maintenance steps (like annual inspections, good airflow, and quick attention to leaks) can make all the difference:

• Control humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels manageable and install dehumidifiers in particularly affected areas, like basements or laundry rooms.
  
• Fix leaks promptly: Even small drips from pipes, roofs, or windows can lead to mold growth.
  
• Improve ventilation: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and open windows when possible to circulate air.
  
• Inspect regularly: Look for signs of moisture, warping, or discoloration around sinks, showers, ceilings, and windows.
  
• Keep things clean and dry: Wipe up spills immediately, launder damp towels and clothes promptly, and only store belongings when they're completely dry.