Mold and mildew are often confused due to their similar appearance, but they are not the same. Both thrive in warm and moist areas, but knowing the difference is crucial to keep your Eado rental properties clean and safe. If you can spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew, you’ll be better equipped to prevent a little problem from escalating into a costly repair.
There are many different kinds of mold and mildew, not all are considered toxic or poisonous. Your renter might not recognize mold or mildew, what it looks like, or how to handle it. Mildew is a common surface fungus, often flat and powdery and found in bathrooms or other frequently damp areas. Mildew can usually be removed quite easily with a bleach solution and a scrub brush.
Identifying and Addressing Toxic Mold in Rental Properties
Mold tends to be more invasive and difficult to eliminate, often hiding in walls and ceilings in areas with high humidity or water damage. It can be hard to detect, but a musty smell is a typical indicator of mold. Visually, mold can appear fuzzy or slimy, in shades of black, green, or red.
Particularly dangerous is toxic mold, like Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra), a greenish-black mold that requires constant moisture to grow. This mold is frequently found after water damage or prolonged exposure to humidity, leaks, or condensation. Though not everyone will get sick, exposure to toxic mold can lead to respiratory problems, dizziness, headaches, skin rashes, and even asthma.
Preventing Mold Growth Through Regular Maintenance and Tenant Education
Once mold has taken hold, getting rid of it can be difficult and expensive. Hard surfaces can usually be cleaned with bleach, but carpets, wallboards, cabinets, and furniture with mold must be completely replaced.
This makes catching any potential problems early on extremely important. When it comes to mold problems, your first line of defense is your renter. The best way to stay on top of the mold is to help your tenants understand how to mitigate mildew and mold growth.
Unfortunately, mold is tricky, and you may not notice the early signs of a problem. This is why every rental home’s routine maintenance should include regular checks for evidence of water damage and mold. If any issues with water leaks, condensation, or flooding are found, they should be corrected immediately to minimize the growth of mold. If mold is found in your rental home, the property clearly has a significant problem with water or moisture that needs to be addressed. Simply cleaning the property may not be enough if the conditions that encouraged the mold to grow in the first place have not been corrected.
When you hire Real Property Management Heritage, you’ll take advantage of our many services, including regular evaluations and comprehensive checks designed to catch and identify problem areas before they become catastrophic. Our team of experts can help you prevent the spread of mold and mildew in your Eado rental homes and ensure that you are informed of the risks and remedies involved. Contact us online or call us directly at 832-701-0766.
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