Both mold and mildew are forms of fungus that thrive in warm and moist areas. This makes rental properties especially susceptible. Ensuring your rental properties stay clean and safe from these fungi is critical to avoid future issues. Knowing how to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew is vital for preventing a little problem from escalating into a costly repair.
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 is typically more invasive and much harder to get rid of compared to mildew. Mold can grow in walls and ceilings, particularly in areas with high humidity or water damage, making it hard to spot. One of the first signs of a mold problem is the smell – mold smells musty, an odor that lingers. Visually, mold can appear in different colors, often fuzzy or sometimes slimy, with shades of black, green, or even red.
One of the most harmful types of mold is toxic mold, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, also referred to as Stachybotrys atra. This greenish-black mold thrives in areas with constant moisture, often following 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 takes hold, it can be difficult and expensive to remove. While hard surfaces can be cleaned with bleach, items like carpets, furniture, and cabinets may need to be completely replaced.
To avoid major issues, it’s essential to catch any potential problems early. Educating tenants on how to prevent mold problems and mitigate mildew and mold growth can help minimize risk.
Because mold is hard to detect early, a rental home’s routine maintenance should include regular checks for evidence of water damage and mold. Any signs of water leaks, condensation, or excessive moisture need to be resolved quickly to minimize the growth of mold. If mold is found in your rental home, it is often a sign of a larger problem with water or moisture, which must be fixed immediately. Simply cleaning the property without addressing the root cause may not stop the mold from returning.
At Real Property Management Abound, our experts conduct thorough evaluations to ensure that your Broken Arrow rental homes are mold-free. Contact us or call 918-984-4433 to learn how we can help.
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