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Mildew or Toxic Mold: What’s Hiding in Your Bathroom

A woman scrubs a bathtub with a sponge to prevent mildew or mold.
Mold and mildew, two forms of fungus, flourish in warm and moist areas, particularly in Salem rental properties. Keeping these spaces clean and safe from mold and mildew is essential for preventing health risks and costly repairs. It’s important to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew to prevent a little problem from becoming a major issue.

There are many different kinds of mold and mildew, most of which are not considered toxic or poisonous. And chances are that your renter doesn’t know much about mold or mildew, what it looks like, or what to do if they find it. Mildew, for example, is a common surface fungus that usually looks gray or white. It is typically flat and powdery, often collecting in bathrooms or other areas that are frequently damp. It can smell bad, especially if allowed to grow long. Mildew can usually be removed quite easily by the tenant with a bleach solution and a scrub brush.

Identifying and Addressing Toxic Mold in Rental Properties

Mold Mold can grow in walls and ceilings, particularly in places with high humidity or water damage, making it hard to spot. A mold problem is often first identified by its odor – mold smells musty. In terms of appearance, mold may be fuzzy or sometimes slimy, and its color can range from black to green or even red.

 

The most dangerous type of mold is toxic mold, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, also called Stachybotrys atra. This greenish-black mold thrives in areas with constant moisture and often follows significant water damage, water leaks, or condensation, the  Center for Disease Control (CDC) notes that some people may experience physical symptoms after exposure to this strain of mold, including respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, infections, and even asthma.

Preventing Mold Growth Through Regular Maintenance and Tenant Education

Once mold has taken hold, it can be difficult and expensive to remove. While hard surfaces may be cleaned with bleach, porous items such as carpets, cabinets, and furniture often need to be completely replaced.

 

The best way to address mold is to catch any potential problems early. Encourage tenants to learn about mold problems and how they can mitigate mildew and mold growth in their living spaces.

 

Because mold is tough to detect in its early stages, every rental home’s routine maintenance should include checks for evidence of water damage and mold. If water leaks, condensation, or other signs of excessive moisture are found, they should be addressed immediately to minimize the growth of mold. If mold is found in your rental home, it’s usually a sign of a deeper problem with water or moisture. Cleaning the property will not resolve the issue if the source of moisture is not fixed.

 

At Real Property Management Absolute, our team conducts detailed evaluations to ensure your Salem rental homes stay free of mold and mildew. Contact us or call 603-242-2727 to learn more.

 

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