What Does Black Mold Smell Like?

Many homeowners will realize there is mold growth somewhere by smelling its odor. In many cases, you will be able to smell the mold long before you can locate it. Let’s take a look at what black mold smells like and what homeowners can do to fix this issue.

What Causes Mold?

The first key to identifying mold is knowing what exactly the growth looks like. To be clear, mold essentially grows everywhere. Mold growth comes from tiny spores that float around in the air. Mold will grow in any area that stays between 40-100 degrees. Generally, mold is most common in damp areas of homes or commercial buildings. Mildew is the easiest type of mold to identify. Its black coloring makes it unmistakable.

This substance only grows larger as time goes by, spreading into colonies. Check damp areas, including shower corners and siding for any signs of mildew growth. Don’t be passive when inspecting for mold. Its generally easy to identify but many homeowners may pass it by, assuming it is simply dirt buildup.

Mold enters the home as tiny spores, with moisture required for the spores to grow and spread. Mold growth can occur on the following materials:

• Wood.
• Paint.
• Carpet.
• Ceiling tiles.
• Insulation.
• Wallpaper.
• Sheet rock.

Where Does Black Mold Grow?

There are a variety of places mold can grow in a home. The most common areas include the following:

• In walls.
• Attics.
• Under floors.
• Crawlspaces.
• Behind bathroom tiles.
• Inside HVAC ducts.
• Below carpet and padding.

Since these areas are typically not visible, mold can often go unnoticed for several days or even weeks. Mold will produce microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), which create unique and distinct odors that ultimately spread throughout the air.

These odors usually travel much further than the mold itself. This will make the odor quite detectable when nearby. When the odor is noticed, it typically means there is an active moisture source, mold is growing, hidden areas may be contaminated, and the air quality is being impacted. Any musty smell is a cause for concern for homeowners.

What Does Black Mold Smell Like In A House?

Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) does not feature a single odor. Instead, this mold growth comes with a variety of smells.

The range of odors depends on the following factors:

• Material the mold grows on.
• Moisture level.
• Ventilation.
• Temperature.
• Colony size.

In most cases, the mold will smell like something outlined below.

Stale

You may notice a stagnant or heavy smell that lingers, especially in closed rooms. When the mold smells stale or stuffy, the air can feel quite thick.

Musty

This mold smell is quite similar to the odor associated with an old basement or book. Some homeowners equate the smell to damp soil, as well.

Tangy

Some mold strains can produce acidic odors. Homeowners could confuse this smell with sour food or even dirty laundry.

Rotten

Sometimes, when mold grows on structural wood, it can give off a smell of decomposing leaves or decaying lumber.

Damp

When windows are left open, a general humidity odor may persist in the area.

Why Does Mold Smell?

Mold doesn’t just develop and grow; it will digest the material it is living on. As organic material is consumed, the mold will release gases known as MVOCs.

These gases can quite easily travel through the following:

• Electrical outlets.
• Drywall.
• Baseboards.
• Vents.
• Around window frames.
• Beneath floors.