You just noticed it. That unmistakable musty earthy smell. Maybe it’s in your basement. Maybe it’s in a closet or bathroom. Maybe you can smell it but you can’t find it.
Your instinct is right — that smell means mold. And mold means you need to act now.
Here’s exactly what to do.
Step 1 — Don’t Ignore It
This is the most important step. Mold odor is your home telling you something is wrong. Every day you wait mold spreads further making remediation more expensive and health risks more serious.
The musty smell you’re noticing is caused by microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) — gases produced by actively growing mold colonies. If you can smell it mold is actively growing somewhere in your home.
Step 2 — Look for Visible Mold
Do a careful visual inspection of the area where the smell is strongest:
Check these spots first:
• Under sinks and around plumbing
• Around windows and window sills
• In bathroom grout and caulking
• Behind and under appliances
• In corners of basements and crawl spaces
• Around HVAC vents and returns
• Behind furniture on exterior walls
What mold looks like:
• Black, green, white, or grey spots
• Fuzzy or powdery texture
• Discoloration on walls, ceilings, or floors
Step 3 — Look for the Moisture Source
Mold cannot grow without moisture. Finding and fixing the moisture source is just as important as removing the mold itself.
Common moisture sources:
• Slow plumbing leaks behind walls
• Condensation on cold surfaces
• Poor ventilation in bathrooms or kitchens
• Roof leaks
• Foundation or basement moisture intrusion
• HVAC condensation issues
Important: If you remove mold without fixing the moisture source it will come back.
Step 4 — Don’t Disturb It
If you find visible mold — don’t touch it, scrub it, or try to clean it yourself.
Disturbing mold without proper containment releases millions of spores into the air. Those spores travel through your HVAC system and settle throughout your home — turning a localized mold problem into a whole home problem.
This is the most common and costly mistake homeowners make with mold.
Step 5 — Call a Professional
Mold remediation is not a DIY project — especially when:
• The affected area is larger than 10 square feet
• Mold is in your HVAC system
• You or family members have health symptoms
• The mold is black (possible toxic black mold)
• You can smell mold but can’t find it
Best Option Restoration offers free mold inspections throughout Salt Lake County. Our AMRT certified technicians use professional moisture meters and thermal imaging to find mold you can’t see — behind walls, under floors, and in crawl spaces.
What NOT to Do
❌ Don’t use bleach
Bleach kills surface mold but doesn’t penetrate porous materials where mold roots grow. It also creates harmful fumes and doesn’t address the moisture source.
❌ Don’t paint over it
Painting over mold traps moisture and allows mold to continue growing underneath.
❌ Don’t run your HVAC
Running your HVAC system when mold is present spreads spores throughout your entire home.
❌ Don’t ignore health symptoms
If family members are experiencing unexplained allergy symptoms, respiratory issues, headaches, or fatigue — mold could be the cause. Take it seriously.
Health Symptoms That May Indicate Mold Exposure
• Chronic coughing or sneezing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Skin rashes or irritation
• Headaches that improve when away from home
• Fatigue or brain fog
• Asthma attacks or worsening respiratory issues
• Throat irritation
Children, elderly individuals, and people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to mold related health effects.
How Best Option Restoration Handles Mold
Free Assessment
We use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to find mold you can’t see.
Containment
We seal off affected areas to prevent spore spread during remediation.
Removal
AMRT certified technicians safely remove all mold contaminated materials.
Treatment
Professional antimicrobial treatment kills remaining spores and prevents regrowth.
Reconstruction
As a licensed B100 General Contractor we replace everything we removed.
Clearance Testing
We confirm mold levels are safe before the job is considered complete.
Call Best Option Restoration — Free Mold Assessment
📞 Call or Text: 385-376-8300
Available 24/7 | Free Inspections | IICRC Certified | Insurance Approved
Serving South Jordan, West Jordan, Sandy, Draper, Riverton, Bluffdale, Murray and all of Salt Lake County.